DiscoverPlaces to seeUnited StatesWisconsinDane CountyShorewood Hills
Lake Mendota Drive Wooden Trestle Bridge
DiscoverPlaces to seeUnited StatesWisconsinDane CountyShorewood Hills
Lake Mendota Drive Wooden Trestle Bridge
Tips
UrbanExolorer_Mando
June 19, 2025
Hiking
The original wooden trestle bridges on Lake Mendota Drive were conceived and built by the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, under the visionary leadership of its president, John M. Olin.
The construction took place between 1892 and 1899. The original rustic bridge over this ravine became a destination for horses, bicycles, and early automobiles. It was at this rustic bridge that the young John C. McKenna conceived of a real estate plat for the Shorewood area. He considered the ravine and Lake Mendota overlook to be one of the "beauty spots" of the area.
The construction took place between 1892 and 1899. The original rustic bridge over this ravine became a destination for horses, bicycles, and early automobiles. It was at this rustic bridge that the young John C. McKenna conceived of a real estate plat for the Shorewood area. He considered the ravine and Lake Mendota overlook to be one of the "beauty spots" of the area.
UrbanExolorer_Mando
June 19, 2025
Hiking
The Historical Context:
The Visionary: John M. Olin, a lawyer and professor, was the driving force behind the creation of a system of parks and scenic drives in Madison. He …
The Visionary: John M. Olin, a lawyer and professor, was the driving force behind the creation of a system of parks and scenic drives in Madison. He …
UrbanExolorer_Mando
June 19, 2025
Hiking
While the original design and location date back to the 1890s, the bridges you see and drive over today are not the original structures. A wooden bridge exposed to Wisconsin weather has a limited lifespan.
The bridges have been rebuilt and restored several times over the past century to maintain their safety and historical character. The most significant and complete reconstruction of these trestles occurred in 1992-1994. The Village of Shorewood Hills, which now maintains the road, undertook a major project to faithfully replicate the original 1890s design using modern, more durable materials (like pressure-treated timber) and construction standards.
The bridges have been rebuilt and restored several times over the past century to maintain their safety and historical character. The most significant and complete reconstruction of these trestles occurred in 1992-1994. The Village of Shorewood Hills, which now maintains the road, undertook a major project to faithfully replicate the original 1890s design using modern, more durable materials (like pressure-treated timber) and construction standards.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Lake Mendota Drive Wooden Trestle Bridge
5.0
(1)
2
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Easy
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Easy
Details
Informations
Elevation 280 m
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Friday 15 May
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Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
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