The Last Covered Bridge In Minnesota : A Treasure in Zumbrota

Discover Minnesota’s last standing covered bridge in Zumbrota—sitting in an 80 acre park full of outdoor adventures! 🌉🌳🎉

MN's only historic covered bridge is easy to access, with a nice walking path leading the way. — *MN’s only historic covered bridge is easy to access, with a nice walking path leading the way.*

Your Daily Midwest Adventure

Hey, it’s Kitty here! 😸👋

Jack and I have spent over two decades as touring musicians and filmmakers, mostly rocking the Midwest scene.

Born and raised in Minneapolis and now calling Winona home, we know these prairies and lakes like the back of our hands. With Amazon best-selling guidebooks, a daily podcast, and this blog, we’ve got you covered for all things Midwest.🌽🎸✈️

So, where am I taking you today? 🚗

The Bridge's history spans from 1869 to today! — *The Bridge’s history spans from 1869 to today!*

To Minnesota’s only covered bridge, in the world’s only Zumbrota. How unique is that? 🏆

Last Covered Bridge in Minnesota: A Journey Back in Time

Imagine a countryside sprinkled with covered bridges, like Christmas cards that have come to life. 🎄

Once upon a time, America was dotted with over 1,500 of these charming structures from to the horse ‘n buggy era. These bridges have inspired countless poems, paintings, and of course, cute first-date stories. 😘

Signs showing the Covered Bridge's history. Look at that interior wooden frame. — *Signs showing the Covered Bridge’s history. Look at that interior wooden frame.*

Most of these bridges have seen better days. In Minnesota there is only ONE covered timber truss bridge left. 🙀

Thankfully, an Endowment Fund was established, and the bridge is continuously monitored and preserved. It’s in a really pretty park in southern MN, and serves as pedestrian crossing over the Zumbro River. 🌊

Peaceful view of the Zumbro River and Zumbrota's main street from inside the Covered Bridge. — *Peaceful view of the Zumbro River and Zumbrota’s main street from inside the Covered Bridge.*

The Only Zumbrota in the World

Situated on the charming Zumbro River, the community of Zumbrota is quaint and friendly with a population of under 4,000. There are plenty of cute shops, restaurants and entertainment options for a town of its size.

A perfect day trip from the Twin Cities or anywhere in Southeastern MN. We used to live is this cute city! 💖

The Only Covered Bridge in Minnesota

*Photoshoot time! How pretty are these blooms?*

Get your cameras ready! 📷

This authentic covered bridge is a sight to behold. Built in 1869 and spanning the Zumbro River, this bridge is the only one of its kind left in the state.

Listed on the National Historic Register, it’s not just a bridge; it’s a piece of history.

The Zumbrota Covered Bridge story started in 1856 when pioneers from Massachusetts decided that the Zumbro River Valley was the place to be.

Thicc boi. This window shows the care put into crafting a bridge...from wood! — *Thicc boi. This window shows the care put into crafting a bridge…from wood!*

Initially constructed with a sturdy lattice truss design in 1869, the bridge was built to last. Craftsmen used white pine timbers and white-oak dowels for the framework.

In 1871, it got a fashionable upgrade: weatherproof enclosures that have kept it standing way past its expected lifespan. 🛠️

Covered Bridge Park

Guys, this isn’t just a bridge. It serves as the gateway to a HUGE park. Over 80 acres of pure fun. Perfect for biking, picnics, and even a round of frisbee golf. 🚴

*Native prairie grass and flowers make this park a lovely place to have a picnic or play frisbee.*

Got kiddos? They’ll love the Kids’ Kingdom playground.

Into biking or hiking? The trail system here is top-notch, including a 1.3 mile loop that winds through a hardwood forest and the city. There is a trailhead building with restrooms, and the loop itself connects to the regional Pioneer Trail.

Activities Galore

Yup, you can even camp here! Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, they’ve got you covered. First come, first served, so get there early. It’s just $20 a night for tent sites and $30 for camper sites.

Seriously, you won’t get bored. There’s a frisbee golf course, skate park, and even an ice rink in the winter. Ball parks, bike trails, swimming pools…the list goes on!

Covered Bridge Festival

Don’t miss Zumbrota’s Covered Bridge Festival every September. This weekend-long party offers everything from a grand parade and live music to fun runs and local vendors. 🎶

There’s something for everyone: games for the kids, car shows for the enthusiasts, and breweries for the adults. It’s the ultimate community hangout! 🎉

➡️ Want things to do less than 30 mins away from Covered Bridge? Find ’em in these related blog posts: Weekend Escape To Rochester MN and Antique Stores in Cannon Falls. 👍

*Plenty of parking at this well-maintained park and Historic site.*

Summary: Last Covered Bridge In Minnesota in Zumbrota

Zumbrota’s Covered Bridge is more than just wood and pegs; it’s a symbol of Minnesota’s rich heritage. And Zumbrota’s park, restaurants and shops are the perfect day-trip adventure!

Next time you’re passing through the quaint town of Zumbrota, make sure to stop by the beautiful 80 acre park and take a stroll through time. 🕰️

Know Before You Go

There’s free admission and plenty of parking at Covered Bridge Park.
80 acres of green space, a kids playground, pool, frisbee golf course, ball park.
The Enclosed Picnic Shelter can be rented for events.
Contact the camp host, Donnie, for camping questions at 507-951-3728.
The trailhead features restrooms and has a 1.3 mile loop for hiking and biking, that connects to the regional Pioneer Trail.
Zumbrota is a cute town of 4,000 with plenty of restaurants, shops and things to do for a day trip!

Where the Heck is Zumbrota, Minnesota?

🎉 Plan your getaway now with our Weekend Escape to Rochester.

The Last Covered Bridge In Minnesota: A Hidden Treasure in Zumbrota

Your Daily Midwest Adventure