There’s a lot to discover in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This vast Wisconsin forest covers a huge area of Northern Wisconsin — you’ll know you’ve arrived when you start seeing bald eagles and your cell phone stops working. The forest holds a lot of surprises, including a covered bridge that’s tucked away deep in the wilderness. The Smith Rapids Covered Bridge is a scenic spot well-worth discovering – and when you arrive at the bridge, you’ll see it holds a little secret, too.
The Smith Rapids Covered Bridge is located in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the largest tract of wild land in Wisconsin. It stretches across much of the Northwoods and covers more than 1.5 million acres.
Google / Brendan Pancheri
You’ll find the bridge on one of the most scenic roads in the forest. Rustic Road 105 is located in Price County – it’s a 13-mile loop on Forest Road 148 that connects to State Highway 70. It will take you down some unpaved stretches but cars can generally navigate the route without any issue.
Google / Tim O’Neil
When you approach the South Fork of the Flambeau River, you’ll see something that looks like it was built during pioneer times.
Google / Michelle Huber
The bridge is based on a design that dates to 1820, a “town lattice covered bridge.” It has distinctive diamond trusses and it stretches more than 90 feet.
Google / Ken Nagel
You might think this bridge is over 100 years old, but a sign inside gives up a secret. This was actually built in the 1990s.
Google / Janelle Johnson
The bridge won an engineering award in 1992 and it’s well-deserved. There’s no other bridge exactly like this in Wisconsin.
Google / Ken Nagel
If you’re staying the Northwoods the bridge is a nice excuse for a forest drive. You’d find it about 20 minutes east of Park Falls or 30 minutes west of Minocqua. If you’re a bridge hunter, gas up your car: here are seven more covered bridges you can find in Wisconsin.
Google / Brendan Pancheri
Google / Tim O’Neil
Google / Michelle Huber
Google / Ken Nagel
Google / Janelle Johnson
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Address: Chequamegon or Smith Rapids Covered Bridge, Smith Rapids Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552, USA
