10 Iconic American Bridges: Marvels of Engineering

America is filled with many wonders. From the exquisite Grand Canyon to the never-ending stretches of crystal clear beaches. The United States truly has something for everyone to experience, and this includes the impressive American bridges that can be found throughout the country.

From San Francisco to New York, you’ll be left in awe, not only of the beauty and grandeur of the bridges but also the complex engineering required to build these man-made structures.

You can find bridges that feel like they have been built within the cliffs on peaks and others that expand over oceans for miles. So much so, you’ll feel as though you are driving on water.

Check out the list below, and be sure not to miss any of these wonders if you are in the area.

Photo byAlexey KomissarovonUnsplash

1. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Possibly one of the most iconic bridges in America, this spectacular red bridge is picture-perfect and fittingly used as the backdrop for many San Francisco postcards.

It stretches over nearly 2 miles (3.2 km) over the narrow strait connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. The bridge was completed in 1937 and was considered an engineering marvel at the time. There are many interesting facts about the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the most fascinating is that the bridge can bend.

A bridge walk marked the 50th anniversary of the bridge, and the weight of 300,000 people caused the bridge to sag 7 feet under and flatten the arch.

2. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, New York

One cannot go to New York without visiting the Brooklyn Bridge. The suspension bridge that spans over the East River connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan is a stunning feature of the New York skyline.

Completed in 1833, the magnificent bridge has inspired poets, artists, directors, and songwriters since then. Frank Sinatra produced the beautiful song, The Brooklyn Bridge, for the film - It Happened in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Bridge really is something to look at. Gothic towers with double arches and crisscross steel cables stretch across the bridge. The best way to experience this beauty is with a walking tour over the bridge and don't forget to explore Lower Manhattan while you're there.

3. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida

Ever wondered what it would be like to drive on water? Well, this is the closest you’ll get to experiencing it. As the name suggests, this bridge stretches 7 miles (11.2 km) over the ocean to Florida Keys.

The original structure was built in 1912 and was regarded as a harrowing drive with narrow lanes. With its upgrade in 1982, the longest bridge in the Florida Keys became a breeze to drive over, with enough space to stop and take in the views. This is one of the most famous bridges in the US.

4. Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado

The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in America. Walking across the bridge is equally thrilling and bone-chilling, so if you are afraid of heights, we recommend not looking down.

Located in Colorado over the Arkansas River, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty around you. In fact, the bridge was built solely for people to be able to marvel at the beauty of the canyon.

This was not built for road purposes, and until May 2020, cars could not drive across the bridge.

If you feel brave after walking over the structure suspended 965 feet above the ground, explore the Arkansas River on a rafting trip.

5. Bixby Creek Bridge, California

This Instagram-worthy bridge along the Californian coast is something to behold. Aptly nicknamed the Golden Gate Bridge of Big Sur, and while it may not be as long, it certainly is as beautiful with its deep arch structure.

This bridge sees many road trippers and tourists stopping for the perfect shot, especially for a Californian sunset.

With panoramic beauty, you won’t know where to look. On the one side, you’ll feast your eyes on the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, and on the other, you’ll be treated to the majestic cliffs and steep canyon of Bixby Creek.

6. Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Arizona and Nevada

Connecting the states of Arizona and Nevada over the Colorado River is a spectacular display of modern engineering. Also known as the Hoover Dam Bypass, the bridge was built to relieve traffic on the highway over Hoover Dam.

It took 5 years to build and was completed in 2010 with the World’s highest concrete arch. You have great views of the manmade Hoover Dam as you drive over the second-highest bridge in America.

If you are road tripping to or from Las Vegas, this bridge needs to be on your list.

7. Roseman Covered Bridge, Iowa

This romantic red-covered bridge in Iowa is so charming it is one of the bridges that inspired the book and movie, The Bridges of Madison County. Originally built in 1883 and renovated in 1992, the bridge over the Middle River has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

This idyllic picture-perfect bridge is so inspiring there is even a Roseman Covered Bridge gift shop dedicated to gifts and trinkets to commemorate the bridge. Don’t miss out on seeing this bridge if you are ever in Iowa.

8. New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, West Virginia

Not many bridges have their own day! Bridge day takes place on the third Saturday in October in West Virginia. There are celebrations, food, music and more. Pedestrians are allowed to cross the bridge and even rappel it!

New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977. Before its completion, residents of West Virginia had to spend 40 minutes driving along a river and dealing with narrow roads. The bridge allowed them to cover this distance in just one minute - no wonder it has its own day!

9. Veterans Memorial Bridge, Massachusetts

This bridge in Massachusetts carries US Route 6 and 138 across the Taunton River. It connects Somerset and Fall River in Massachusetts. This bascule bridge is 61 metres long and 18 metres wide. It opened in the fall of 2011 and was dedicated to veterans in the area.

10. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway connects Metairie and Mandeville in Louisiana. From when it opened in 1969 to 2011 it was the longest bridge in the world over water (the first span opened in 1956). It hosts four lanes of traffic over its two bridges. The longest of the two bridges is 23.83 miles long.,

The bridge has an eight-mile stretch where drivers cannot see the land. This can be quite a nerve-wracking experience. Entry to the bridge can only be made via car.