The Tridge – Midland, Michigan - Atlas Obscura

Sitting on the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in downtown Midland is one of the most unusual wooden bridges in the world. The Tridge is the official name of this three-way bridge that allows pedestrians access to all three shores. It connects downtown Midland to Chippewassee Park on one side and St. Charles Park on the other. Besides being a convenient way for pedestrians to get from the parks to the city center, it is also the starting point of the 30-mile-long Pere Marquette Rail Trail and the Chippewa Nature Trail.

The Tridge was constructed in 1981. It consists of a 31-foot center pillar and three 180-foot-long spokes. It was the brainchild of the Midland Area Community Foundation, which wanted a centerpiece that showcased the city and the city parks. The structure cost $732,000 to build and took ten railcars of wood to construct. It underwent a renovation in 2017.

Numerous festivals are held in Midland featuring the Tridge. The yearly Labor Day walk draws visitors from all over. The two city parks include trails, baseball fields, play structures, a skate park, and more. Fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all popular activities on the rivers and the city has a dock to launch human-propelled boats.

Know Before You Go

The Tridge is open year-round. You can reach the Tridge from either park or from downtown Midland. The simplest way to see the bridge is to park in the downtown parking lot that is at the corner of Ann St and Ashman St.

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November 1, 2021

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