Columbus Junction, Iowa: Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge

A free-swinging foot bridge suspended across a ravine that dates to 1886 and carries a legend of a doomed Indian maiden.

Lover's Leap Swinging Bridge

My wife and I walked the length of the bridge, and we quickly learned it's easier to walk on a swinging bridge when you're the only one walking. We ended up walking it in stages, she went, then I went, until we got to the end. When we were there, one of the cable railings was broken, with the rail in the middle lower than it probably should have been.

The ravine under the bridge also appeared to have been quite the party spot some time before we were there, with beer cans strewn about at the bottom.

[Steve, 09/20/2010]

Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge

The Lovers' Leap Swinging Bridge is probably the main attraction in this town. There are several signs pointing the way, which is quite near route 92. It's in good condition and "walking the bridge" gives a strange sensation!

[John Holmes, 10/07/2009]

Lovers' Leap Swinging Bridge

This bridge was originally constructed in 1886 but condemned in 1902 for safety reasons -- excessive swinging, one would presume. Rebuilt in 1904 with a span of 160 feet, the bridge collapsed in 1920 and dropped two unlucky bridge-walkers into the valley below! The bridge was AGAIN rebuilt in 1922, with an even longer span of 262 feet, and other than refurbished flooring and cables in 1954, this version still stands today.

According to local legend, an Indian maiden leaped from the bridge after hearing that her lover had died in a battle.

[Jeff Hoskinson, 05/26/2008]