Dunn's Bridge | Bloomington

Dunn’s Bridge is a historically significant, architecturally unique, and visually captivating structure spanning the Kankakee River in northwest Indiana, near the town of Kouts on the Porter–Jasper county line. Though now closed to vehicular traffic and functioning as a pedestrian-only span, it remains one of Indiana’s most intriguing pieces of early rural infrastructure, interwoven with legend and heritage. It is the centerpiece of Dunn’s Bridge County Park, a 3-acre riverside recreational area managed by the Porter County Parks and Recreation Department.

Historical Origins and Construction

The bridge was constructed around 1894–1895 by J.D. Dunn, a local landowner and farmer, who reportedly wanted a more efficient way to connect parcels of farmland on opposite sides of the Kankakee River. Though relatively remote today, the site once served as an active local gathering point.

What sets Dunn’s Bridge apart is its metal braced ribbed through-arch design-a structural form that is exceedingly rare in North America. The ribbed arches rise and converge gracefully over the bridge deck, giving it an almost cathedral-like form when viewed from below or at an angle.

The most enduring and romanticized aspect of Dunn’s Bridge’s history is the legend that the steel used in its construction came from the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, especially from the original Ferris Wheel. While this has never been conclusively proven, it remains a popular piece of local folklore. More credible historical and structural analysis suggests that the materials may instead have been salvaged from buildings like Machinery Hall or Electricity Hall, which were dismantled after the exposition. The distinctive curved steel ribs do resemble architectural dome supports, rather than parts from a rotating wheel.

The bridge originally accommodated horse-drawn carts and later light vehicular traffic, but it was eventually retired from transportation use and preserved for its historic value.

Architectural Features and Restoration

Span: Approximately 180 feet in length, crossing a wide, scenic section of the Kankakee River.

Style: Metal through-arch truss bridge with braced ribbing-one of only two known bridges of this kind in the United States.

Materials: Wrought iron or early steel, likely repurposed from pre-existing architectural elements from the 1893 World’s Fair.

In 1994, the Porter County Parks Department acquired the bridge and surrounding land, recognizing its historic and recreational potential. A significant restoration project followed, which received professional accolades from the Indiana engineering community. The structure was reinforced for long-term preservation, converted for pedestrian use, and integrated into a small park setting.

Dunn’s Bridge County Park

This riverside park offers modest but meaningful amenities:

Concrete boat launch: One of the few public access points to the Kankakee River in the region. Ideal for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards (motorized boats are not supported).

Fishing: The river at this location supports a healthy ecosystem with species such as walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Both shore and boat fishing are popular.

Picnicking and nature watching: With its rustic setting, the park offers a quiet place for reflection, family outings, or birdwatching. Occasional bald eagle and heron sightings occur.

Photography: The bridge’s architectural lines and the river’s natural beauty attract photographers year-round, especially during fall foliage or under fresh snowfall.

Hiking and walking: The bridge itself is accessible on foot, and the park has trails and paths leading along the riverbank.

The site is open from dawn to dusk daily and offers free admission. Basic parking is available, and the bridge is wheelchair-accessible from the north side.

Folklore and Community Memory

Throughout its lifetime, Dunn’s Bridge has served more than just transportation or recreation:

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the area around the bridge was a gathering site, reportedly featuring picnics, a merry-go-round, a dance hall, and taverns during the summer months.

Newspaper records from 1897 describe it as a destination for countywide social events, highlighting the bridge’s cultural value in rural Indiana life.

The Ferris Wheel myth has become an enduring part of local identity. While engineers have dismissed the possibility based on structural discrepancies, the romantic idea remains a favorite among storytellers and visitors, adding an imaginative layer to an already special site.

Practical Visitor Information

Location: County Road 500 E at the Kankakee River, between Kouts (Porter County) and the Jasper County line, Indiana.

Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Admission: Free to the public.

Facilities: Gravel parking, boat launch, interpretive signage; no restrooms or staffed facilities.

Tips:

Wear proper footwear; the area can be muddy or slick after rain.

Bring insect repellent in warmer months.

Ideal for a quiet nature escape, casual exploration, or a stop on a historical driving tour.

Summary

Dunn’s Bridge is not just a charming remnant of 19th-century engineering-it is a storybook crossing where history, legend, and nature converge. Its rare architecture and possible link to the Chicago World’s Fair elevate it from a rural utility to a cultural monument. Today, as the focal point of a small but meaningful county park, it invites visitors to stroll its graceful span, paddle beneath its arches, or simply absorb the stillness of the Kankakee River valley. It is a testament to the quiet, enduring legacy of local ingenuity and the timeless power of myth in shaping place.