Zehnder's Holzbrücke (German for Wooden Bridge) is a covered bridge located on the Cass River on Covered Bridge Lane in the city of Frankenmuth, Michigan. This structure was completed in 1979 and hauled into place by a team of oxen during 1980. Unlike many modern covered bridges, the structure is not a facade and is constructed fully of wooden materials. The span was installed promote tourism in Frankenmuth and provide access to the lands own by the Bavarian Inn south of the Cass River.
Part 1; the history of Zehnder's Holzbrücke
Zehnder's Holzbrücke (German for wooden bridge) is a structure located on Covered Bridge Lane along the Cass River in the city of Frankenmuth River. The structure is currently part of the Bavarian Inn complex. Eddie (the Zehnder's of Frankenmuth family) and William Zehnder (Bavarian Inn family) originally began to explore the prospects of installing a covered bridge in 1962. Both brothers owned portions of land along the eastern half of the Cass River. The purpose of a new bridge was to serve as a tourist attraction and expand the parking capacity for the Bavarian Inn south of the Cass River.
By 1979 the Zehnder brothers hired Milton Grade which was one of the last construction firms which specialized in building authentic covered bridges. The 239-foot-long structure was completed during 1979 but had to installed at the Cass River. Beginning during 1980 a team of oxen was used to pull the structure into place on the Cass River. The bridge was dedicated on September 9, 1980.
In 1985 the first phase of the Bavarian Inn Lodge complex completed east of the Cass River. Much of the attractions south of the river were either built or purchased by Eddie Zehnder's family during the remaining balance of the 1980s. During 2015 ownership of Zehnder's Holzbrücke was transferred to Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Incorporated.
Part 2; visiting Zehnder's Holzbrücke
Zehnder's Holzbrücke is located immediately east of M-83 in Frankenmuth along Covered Bridge Lane. The structure is located next to the Covered Bridge Shop west of the Cass River.
Zehnder's Holzbrücke facing east over the Cass River from a stylized pedestrian bridge.
Zehnder's Holzbrücke facing northeast from the Bavarian Belle Riverboat
Zehnder's Holzbrücke facing was along Covered Bridge Lane. The structure is rated for 10 tons and has an overhead clearance of 13'8 feet.
Facing northeast on the Cass River from one of the pedestrian walkways on the bridge.
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