A Tour of Southwest Missouri's Historic Bridges

Y Bridge on the James River

Find it: Galena, Mo., 50 minutes south of Springfield
The historic Y Bridge in Galena offers a nice view of the James River and is easy to visit. Built by the Missouri State Highway Department and opened in 1927, the Y Bridge once handled traffic for growing outdoor tourism. Today it’s a landmark pedestrian path you can walk from the Y Bridge Park. Cross the concrete bridge with arched supports from the James River’s west side. As you reach the east side, the bridge splits in two, like the letter “y.” Proclaimed to be one of only three such y-shaped structures in the world, the unusual bridge is a 417-land treasure.

Arched Bridge at Bennett Spring

Find it: Bennett Spring State Park, 1 hour northeast of Springfield
Bennett Spring State Park, a Missouri trout park built around spring-fed streams at the Niangua River, was once the location of a thriving mill. In the mid-1920s, Missouri purchased the land, and the park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. That includes the widely photographed historic arched bridge near the dam. The bridge is used for traffic so it’s best viewed, photographed and appreciated from the banks of the stream on either side. Once you’ve seen the bridge, take a hike, cast a line and explore the park. 

Beaver Bridge on the White River

Find it: Beaver, Ark., 1.5 hours southwest of Springfield
Best known as the “Little Golden Gate of the Ozarks,” the single-lane Beaver Bridge near Eureka Springs is the last vehicle-traveled suspension bridge in Arkansas. The whimsical yellow span completed in 1949 even had a Hollywood moment when it appeared in the 2005 movie “Elizabethtown.” Its rural setting on the White River at the village of Beaver makes it an ideal outdoor destination for river-sitting, trail-walking and picnicking. A nearby campground may entice some visitors to stay. If you go, also look for the ruins of an old railroad bridge nearby.

Cotter Bridge on the White River

Find it: Cotter, Ark., 2 hours southeast of Springfield
Once the largest railroad town in Arkansas, Cotter today is a quaint stop along the White River where visitors enjoy history, scenic views, trails, boutique shops and some of the best trout fishing around. It’s also home to the R. M. Ruthven Rainbow Arch Bridge—better known as the Cotter Bridge—originally dedicated in 1930 and renovated in 2004. The historic bridge is considered the largest known of its kind built with the unique rainbow arch design of James Barney Marsh. Cotter made the most of its appeal by adding lights that appear at dusk. To enjoy the bridge lights, which change for holidays and special events, plan your visit to stay past dark.