• Looking out at the lake

    Sleeping Bear Dunes

    National Lakeshore Michigan

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  • Maritime Museum closed

    The Maritime Museum and Boathouse are closed until further notice.

Covered Bridge

The covered bridge was one of the picturesque details that Pierce Stocking included in the Scenic Drive. Covered bridges, usually associated with New England and Pennsylvania, were developed to protect wooden bridges from rain and snow, which can cause rotting of the timbers. It was cheaper to repair the roof than to build a new bridge. 

The sides of the original bridge were largely consumed by porcupines, which seem to relish man-made structures more than the native wood of the forest. The present bridge has a higher roof to provide a 13 foot, 6 inch vehicle clearance. This pull-off is intended to let you linger a moment to view the bridge or photograph it.

 
Covered Bridge on Pierce Stocking Drive
Covered Bridge on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Kerry Kelly 2006
 

Did You Know?

North Manitou Island Beach

North Manitou Island, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is located in the pristine waters of Lake Michigan about 8 miles off the Northwest part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It's 15,000 acres, managed as wilderness is Backpacking Heaven! More...