Northeastern Oklahoma is home to the second largest lake in the state -Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees -nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountain Range. Not only is this lake a gorgeous place to visit, but it also has many unique places to explore. For example, head to Horse Creek Cove near the Bernice area of Grand Lake State Park and you’ll see an odd bridge in the middle of the lake that leads to nowhere. Check it out below:
Looking down on Grand Lake from satellite view on Bing maps, you can spot the mystery bridge in Horse Creek Cove. You’ll notice it doesn’t touch any land, it’s just sitting in the middle of the water.
bingmaps.com
The bridge is a Camelback through truss design with three remaining spans on a concrete base.
Mark Brown
The story behind this bridge is still a mystery. There are two stories about the history of this bridge, but no one can confirm which one, if any, are true.
Mark Brown
According to locals, the bridge was built by a local politician who wanted better access to property he owned on the west side of Honey Creek Cove. But the bridge was never finished because he was voted out office.
Mark Brown
Grand Lake was built in the 1930s but pieces of the bridge date back to earlier than that. So were vintage parts used to build the bridge or is the bridge older than the story goes?
Mark Brown
Others insist it was built as a toll bridge to replace Carey’s Ferry in the early 1900s. Records indicate the structure collapsed during construction, killing two men before it was ultimately finished and used by travelers.
Mark Brown
It was used until 1938 when Grand Lake planning began, and as a result of the new lake being built, it had to be dismantled.
Mark Brown
Both theories still exist and the history behind this “bridge to nowhere” still remains a mystery. Do you have any information about this bridge that you would like to share with our readers? If so, we’d love to hear about it!
bingmaps.com
Mark Brown
Many locals would like to see this bridge demolished. If the city decides to remove it by blasting, it would look like this on demolition day. Do you think it should be taken down?
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