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.

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 …

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.

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Best routes near Lake Mendota Drive Wooden Trestle Bridge

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#1.

Bamforth Bluff Restoration – John C. McKenna Park loop from Shorewood Hills

5.65km

01:29

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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#2.

Bamforth Bluff Restoration – John C. McKenna Park loop from Shorewood Hills

5.20km

01:23

60m

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Elevation 280 m

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Wednesday 25 March

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Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Shorewood Hills, Dane County, Wisconsin, United States

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Lake Mendota Drive Wooden Trestle Bridge

#1.

Bamforth Bluff Restoration – John C. McKenna Park loop from Shorewood Hills

#2.

Bamforth Bluff Restoration – John C. McKenna Park loop from Shorewood Hills

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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