How Did Grand Rapids’ Blue Bridge Become The Blue Bridge?

The much loved Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids, connects the downtown campus of Grand Valley State University to the heart of downtown, and is the site of many celebrations, fund raisers, and fun. But, it wasn't always a blue bridge, and you certainly wouldn't want to walk on it.

It was the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad bridge, says the website HistoryGrandRapids.org, and originally built in 1868. Not as it is now because back then they had to replace it 1874. That bridge was destroyed in 1883 during the great log jam. So, the city started over, and the bridge we know today was built in 1892.

And, it wasn't people walking on the bridge, it was trains crossing this bridge that traveled between Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Mackinaw City. When rail traffic ceased in the 1980s, the city re-purposed it again, and this time they had it painted blue. It then became the walkway we know and love today across the Grand River that we call The Blue Bridge.

The city installed special lighting to reflect many different moods, and events.

However, it's more than just the beauty of the changing colors of the bridge. Our Blue Bridge is truly a connector. It's a connector of people, and embraces so many things in our community. For instance, our different cultures.

The bridge is a connector to the arts and artists...

and a connector of artists in music.

The Blue Bridge has been the connector site with proposals...

and even a Championship celebration!

The Blue Bridge is truly a much loved part of our community. Celebrate and enjoy it!