Deb Simons was recently on M26 between Eagle River and Copper Harbor and snapped some photos of the new bridge over the Silver River, along with the falls. I have to be honest, I was worried about what the new bridge was going to look like, because the old bridge was one of my favorites, but I was pleasantly surprised that they constructed something pleasing to the eye and not just a plain generic bridge. The rock work looks good both on the bridge and surrounding the river border and the falls are still running quite nicely as you can see in Deb’s photos. There is also still a trail to walk down along the falls for a bit, too.

The bottom two photos I snapped a few days after Deb had been there. That’s the new signage, showing several photos of the old bridge, the original plans for it from 1945 and best of all the rock base for the sign was constructed with salvaged stone from the original bridge. The remaining salvaged stone was returned to the Keweenaw County Road Commission to be used in maintaining other roadside walls and park features throughout Keweenaw County. That made my day, that they preserved the old historic culvert bridge there in pictures and with some of the original stone work still there.

Deb made a short video of the Silver River Falls there, complete with all the sounds of the rushing water, too. At one point in the video, it actually looks like the falls is running backwards, up the rocks... or maybe I need new glasses!

I, too, was pleasantly surprised that it
wasn't just a plain old bridge. The old
bridge will always be one of my favorites.
I'm happy I have a lot of pictures of it
from the many times we stopped there to take
a walk down the river. In fact, one of my
Christmas cards has a picture of each of us
there. I was taking a picture of him and him
of me. We both loved it there. It won't be
the same, but I'm glad they made the new
sign out of the stone from old bridge. It'll
never be forgotten.

That is beautiful! Well done Keweenaw!

I agree, nothing can compare with the old bridge, but this looks nice. And they did a nice job with the 'tribute' to the old bridge so people can see what it replaced. Hey, Deb, how 'bout having Mary post your Christmas card picture - i'd love to see it!

And Uncle Chuck...I hope wherever you are U.P.
here....you are having a PHENOMENAL time!

Wow…fantastic pix, Deb! The new bridge looks great.
That was always one of my favorite stops on the Wing.
I wish that I could go there one more time.
Thanks again for the great pix Deb!

Great pics & video, saw this bridge for myself,
it's beautiful!!

Donna we are back home and have been dealing with
my in-laws declining health. On 8/3 my mother-in-
law took a fall in the kitchen and is recovering
but still not very stable. My father-in-law tried
to pick her up and he took a very serious fall and
is currently in a very nice rehab facility, but
facing a very difficult climb to get back to
health. Sorry I've been missing in action, but we
have our hands full to say the least. Our trip was
nice but too short and didn't get to see the Pasty
family like I had hoped, but I did have a nice
quick visit with Jim and Mary one day. Have a
great day all.

UC…all the best towards your in-laws and yourself.

Jbuck, I'll have to try to find that card. O
know I have one here somewhere.

UC, were sorry we didn't get to see you
while you were here. Maybe next year, God
willing. And I pray your in-laws will both
be fine.

I really like the look of the new bridge.

I wonder if that is a real stone facia?
It looks too uniform.

U.C.,
Very sorry about your Mother In Law.
My sister is going through the same thing.

No reason to apologize UC, you have enough to handle! We are praying for your in-laws as well as you and Nurse Vicki - it's hard on the family too.

Thanks everyone, Vicki & I appreciate the well
wishes.

BTW, the bridge is a work of art and seems to fit
the landscape beautifully! Deb, your pics & video
are outstanding.