The Tridge – Midland, Michigan - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

The Tridge

Midland, Michigan

This unusual three-way wooden foot bridge spans two rivers at once. 

View all photos
Underneath the structure Phil Squattrito/CC BY 2.0
183
323
Top Places in Michigan
Sanilac Petroglyphs State Historical Park
Cass City, Michigan
Earl Young Gnome Houses
Charlevoix, Michigan
Turnip Rock
Port Austin, Michigan
 See All

Sitting on the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in downtown Midland is one of the most unusual wooden bridges in the world. The Tridge is the official name of this three-way bridge that allows pedestrians access to all three shores. It connects downtown Midland to Chippewassee Park on one side and St. Charles Park on the other. Besides being a convenient way for pedestrians to get from the parks to the city center, it is also the starting point of the 30-mile-long Pere Marquette Rail Trail and the Chippewa Nature Trail.

The Tridge was constructed in 1981. It consists of a 31-foot center pillar and three 180-foot-long spokes. It was the brainchild of the Midland Area Community Foundation, which wanted a centerpiece that showcased the city and the city parks. The structure cost $732,000 to build and took ten railcars of wood to construct. It underwent a renovation in 2017.

Numerous festivals are held in Midland featuring the Tridge. The yearly Labor Day walk draws visitors from all over. The two city parks include trails, baseball fields, play structures, a skate park, and more. Fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all popular activities on the rivers and the city has a dock to launch human-propelled boats.

Know Before You Go

The Tridge is open year-round. You can reach the Tridge from either park or from downtown Midland. The simplest way to see the bridge is to park in the downtown parking lot that is at the corner of Ann St and Ashman St.

trails engineering rivers bridges parks architectural oddities
Community Contributors
LameDuck99
Added by
LameDuck99
L
W
d
Edited by
LVWildCard, Wanderuss, deannatrusty
Published
November 1, 2021
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School
1.09 miles
Delta College Planetarium
17.99 miles
State Theatre
18.07 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Santa school exterior
Midland, Michigan

Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School

There is an art, a science, and certainly a responsibility to occupying The Big Red Chair, and this is where it's learned.
The Delta College Planetarium
Bay City, Michigan

Delta College Planetarium

This state-of-the-art planetarium takes architectural inspiration from the sun itself.
The State Theatre
Bay City, Michigan

State Theatre

This indie movie theater is one of only three surviving Mayan-themed theaters designed by “Detroit’s greatest theater architect.”
St. Louis, Michigan

Mini Mac Bridge

This replica of Michigan's mighty Mackinac Bridge is more than 200 times smaller than its northern counterpart.
Related Places
Croswell, Michigan

Croswell Swinging Bridge

This historic suspension bridge is one of three remaining swinging bridges in Michigan, and one of the few swinging bridges left in North America.
The 516 Arouca Bridge is suspended above the Paiva River.
Arouca, Portugal

Ponte 516 Arouca

One of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges.
Henderson Waves.
Singapore

Henderson Waves

The highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore looks like a series of undulating waves rising between two public parks.
Conwy, Wales

Conwy Suspension Bridge

One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world blends in perfectly with a medieval castle.
Appears in 1 List
West portal of the east tunnel.
List

A Dozen Accessible Fall Hikes to Delight and Inspire

For nature lovers of all stripes.
Jonathan Carey November 4, 2022
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web