The 1867 Ada Covered Bridge in Kent County, Michigan, was constructed by William Holmes for $3,000. This 14-foot wide by 125-foot long span across the Thornapple River was built with a Brown truss design patented by Josiah Brown Jr. in 1867. This unique design combines vertical and diagonal timbers, creating a sturdy and rigid structure. Over its history, this bridge has been repeatedly threatened by rising floodwaters of the river and it is said that in the early days, farmers would drive wagons loaded with stones onto the bridge to hold it to the foundation.

Modifications have been made to the bridge over the years. In 1930, the trusses were repaired, and the abutments were converted from wood to concrete. The bridge was bypassed that same year by a new bridge over the Thornapple turning the Ada into a pedestrian use-only bridge. Surrounded by a tranquil park, it provides an idyllic setting for picnics, strolls, and the Thornapple River’s beauty.

The bridge was repaired again in 1941 with a new roof and support beams. Trying to keep it as historic as possible, wood from a local barn was used in the repair. During the winter of 1979, however, heavy snowfall collapsed the roof, and later that year the bridge was destroyed by fire. The town’s citizens rallied once again – along with help from the Amway Corporation – and the bridge was once again rebuilt.

Once known as the Bradfield Bridge, the Ada Covered Bridge was listed with the Michigan State Register on May 9, 1969, and with the National Register on February 16, 1970. It was also awarded a Michigan Historical Marker on August 28, 1974.

Located at:  N42 57.150    W85 29.182      -      WGCB #22-41-01 #2

Photographed in May of 2023