Michigan’s covered bridges turn an ordinary road trip into a fun ride through tiny towns, winding backroads, and some of the prettiest scenery in the Midwest.
Along the way, you’ll cross wooden bridges over 150 years old, stroll through quiet parks glowing with fall colors, and discover hidden spots most travelers miss.
Some bridges sit near busy downtown shops and riverside trails, while others are tucked deep in the woods where the only sound is the flowing water below.
Get ready for historic wooden trusses, scenic drives, and countless photo stops, because this Michigan road trip delivers adventure at every turn.
1. Langley Covered Bridge
Langley Covered Bridge stretches over the St. Joseph River in Centreville, and it has been turning heads since 1887.
Stretching 282 feet long, it is the longest covered bridge in the state, and its Howe truss design once carried heavy horse-and-buggy traffic.
You can walk or drive across the bridge today and see the huge wooden beams and crisscross supports that kept the timber protected through rough weather.
It’s easily one of Michigan’s best photo spots, especially in the fall when the surrounding trees explode with orange and red colors.
2. Historic Ada Covered Bridge
About 1.5 hours from Langley, the Historic Ada Covered Bridge sits over the Thornapple River in Ada and dates back to 1867.
Back then, farmers drove wagons across this 125-foot bridge, and it later survived a collapse caused by heavy snow and a fire before being rebuilt in 1980.
Today, you can cross it only on foot to help preserve its old-fashioned wooden trusses, covered walkway, and charming river views.
You’ll also find benches, shaded walkways, and grassy areas nearby, making it a relaxing spot to take in the scenery.
3. Historic Fallasburg Covered Bridge
From there, drive 15 minutes to the Historic Fallasburg Covered Bridge in Lowell, where this 100-foot-long bridge has stood over the Flat River since 1871.
Unlike many covered bridges near busy roads, this one is tucked away in the Fallasburg Historic District, home to a schoolhouse and historic mills.
If you walk or drive through it, make sure to go slowly so you can admire the lattice truss design, thick wooden planks, and crisscross framework.
Afterwards, make your way to nearby Fallasburg Park, where quiet hiking trails and picnic spots make it easy to spend the afternoon.
4. Whites Historic Covered Bridge
Next up is Whites Historic Covered Bridge in Keene Township, a 120-foot bridge over the Flat River, originally built in 1869.
In 2013, a fire destroyed this historic structure, but it was rebuilt in 2020 with the same old-fashioned look that made it a local landmark.
You can carefully drive through it or enjoy a peaceful walk through while listening to the river rushing below.
If you want to stay a little longer, the surrounding area is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and spotting birds, turtles, fish, and even deer along the water.
5. Holz Brücke Covered Bridge
Now drive 2 hours from Whites Bridge to the Holz Brücke Covered Bridge in Frankenmuth, a 239-foot structure that spans the Cass River.
Built in 1980, this bridge is newer than the others on the route, but its massive wooden frame and cedar-shingled exterior give it a timeless look.
What makes it even cooler is that a team of oxen spent 12 days pulling the finished bridge into place, which is fun to remember while you cross it today.
Once you’ve taken plenty of bridge photos, head downtown, where Bavarian-style buildings and cozy family-owned shops give the town a storybook feel.
6. Mount Pleasant Covered Bridge
Then there’s Mount Pleasant Covered Bridge over the Chippewa River, which brings the road trip back to a quieter small-town setting in Isabella County.
This one sits inside Deerfield Nature Park, where 591 acres of trails, picnic areas, and a swimming beach make it easy to turn the stop into a full-day outing.
The bridge itself dates back to 1968, though a mysterious fire destroyed much of the original structure in 1995 before it was rebuilt.
Today, you can only walk across it, and during the fall, the surrounding woods burst with vibrant color, making the entire setting even more beautiful.
7. Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge
The final stop is the Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge, located along the famous 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
This short wooden bridge blends into the surrounding forest, while the inside features exposed wooden trusses and a warm rustic design.
There’s even a small pull-off nearby where you can stop, take photos, and take in the wooded setting.
To get even more out of the visit, combine this stop with the nearby Dune Climb or a relaxing drive through the park’s tree-lined roads and scenic lake views.
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