Focusing On Travel : Bridging the Years - Fallasburg Covered Bridge & Historic Village

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Bridging the Years - Fallasburg Covered Bridge & Historic Village

I love Sundays – it is “our” time to do whatever we want. Today, the late afternoon sunshine suggests we take a Sunday drive … somewhere “off the beaten path”. We find ourselves near Lowell, Michigan and drive to Fallasburg County Park (established in 1928). The Flat River flows calmly through this picturesque park making it a perfect spot for some family time. Some people play games on the grassy banks of the Flat River, some bring a picnic lunch, and some do a little fishing from the shore. For us, it means photographing the park and the Fallasburg Covered Bridge.

Built in 1871, this 100’ long bridge spans the Flat River. The nearby State Historical sign gives the history of the bridge which was listed with the Michigan State Register on February 12, 1959. Despite its age (it has been rehabilitated), its condition allows it to be open to motor vehicles.

Bridge's Historic Sign

Fallasburg Covered Bridge - Late Afternoon and Early Evening

The park has informative exhibit signs about the area’s history – including the “ghost town” village of Fallasburg. Even though it is getting late, we have to check this out too.

We begin at the Fallasburg Covered Bridge which marks the entrance to this historic pioneer village. The "Fallasburg Historical District" was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on March 31, 1999.

Village's Historic Sign

Within its 42 acres are a one-room schoolhouse, farm houses, barns, and a village cemetery. The school house and Misner House are museums that are open to the public on most Sunday afternoons during the summer months. The surviving historic buildings can easily be seen during the short drive down Covered Bridge Road.