Texas holds a treasure trove of engineering marvels spanning its rivers and canyons. These historic bridges tell tales of innovation, community, and the Lone Star State’s development over centuries.
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just looking for unique road trip destinations, these nine remarkable bridges offer glimpses into Texas’s colorful past while showcasing breathtaking views.
1. Pecos River High Bridge
Standing 273 feet above the Pecos River, this engineering marvel offers heart-stopping views of the rugged canyon below. Originally built in 1892, the current structure dates to 1944.
If heights don’t scare you, pull over at the nearby observation point for spectacular photos. The contrast between the steel structure and the ancient limestone canyon creates a photographer’s dream at sunrise or sunset.
2. Regency Suspension Bridge
Swaying gently above the Colorado River, this charming one-lane suspension bridge happens to be the last of its kind still open to vehicles in Texas. Locals call it the ‘swinging bridge’ for good reason!
Built in 1939, this hidden gem connects San Saba and Mills counties through a rural countryside setting. The wooden planks rumble beneath your tires, creating an old-fashioned driving experience that feels like stepping back in time.
3. Rainbow Bridge (Port Arthur)
Painted in brilliant white and arching gracefully over the Neches River, Rainbow Bridge connects Port Arthur and Orange counties with impressive style. When completed in 1938, it boasted the longest road arch in the Western Hemisphere.
Though no longer holding that record, its 177-foot clearance still accommodates massive ships heading to port. Watching oil tankers glide beneath while standing on the observation area gives you a real sense of Texas’s industrial might.
4. Waco Suspension Bridge
Cowboys once drove longhorn cattle across this iconic bridge, paying their toll to cross the mighty Brazos River. Built in 1870, this stunning structure predates the Brooklyn Bridge and shares the same designer!
Today, the bridge anchors a beautiful riverfront park in downtown Waco. Bronze sculptures of cattle and cowboys near the entrance honor its cattle-driving history. After visiting, grab an ice cream and stroll along the adjacent riverwalk for the full experience.
5. Medina River Bridge At Bandera
Nestled in the self-proclaimed ‘Cowboy Capital of the World,’ this charming one-lane bridge offers a perfect slice of Hill Country beauty. Cypress trees line the crystal-clear Medina River flowing beneath its sturdy iron framework.
Built in 1920, the bridge’s distinctive steel truss design makes it a favorite among photographers. Visit during autumn when the surrounding trees burst with color, or in summer when locals gather nearby to tube down the refreshing river waters.
6. Faust Street Bridge (New Braunfels)
Gracefully spanning the Guadalupe River since 1887, this beautiful wrought iron truss bridge once carried Model Ts and horse-drawn carriages into downtown New Braunfels. Now restored as a pedestrian walkway, it offers fantastic views of river activities below.
German immigrants heavily influenced this area, giving the bridge its distinctive European-inspired engineering. Listen carefully for the echoes of history while standing midway across, some visitors swear they can hear phantom carriages crossing the wooden planks on quiet evenings.
7. Suspension Bridge At Bluff Dale
Hidden away in tiny Bluff Dale, this forgotten treasure dangles above the Paluxy River like a scene from an old western film. Built in 1891, it’s among Texas’s oldest suspension bridges and miraculously survived numerous floods.
Though closed to vehicles, adventurous visitors can still walk across its weathered wooden planks. The gentle sway beneath your feet adds a thrill to the experience! Bring a picnic to enjoy by the riverbank, where dinosaur tracks have occasionally been discovered in the limestone.
8. Beveridge Bridge (San Saba)
Stretching elegantly across the San Saba River, this remarkable 1896 bridge represents classic American engineering ingenuity. With its distinctive Pratt truss design, the structure has weathered over a century of Texas floods and scorching summers.
Recently restored as a pedestrian crossing, the bridge connects to a lovely hiking trail. Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars! The surrounding cottonwood trees attract dozens of species, while the river below occasionally reveals glimpses of turtles sunning on partially submerged logs.
9. Old Alton Bridge
Nestled in the heart of Texas, the Old Alton Bridge is a treasure trove of history and mystery. Also known as the “Goatman’s Bridge,” it has become a focal point for ghost stories and local legends. Constructed in 1884, this iron truss bridge once connected the cities of Denton and Copper Canyon, facilitating travel and trade.
The bridge’s iron framework, combined with wooden planks, illustrates the engineering marvels of the late 19th century. Today, it is a haven for photographers and adventurers seeking to experience its eerie ambiance and picturesque views.
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