While in Little Rock, Arkansas we did a lot of exploring, and enjoyed checking out the Arkansas River. One of the cool things we saw was the Junction Bridge near the Clinton Presidential Library. Originally built as a railroad bridge in 1884, Junction Bridge was then rebuilt in the 1970’s and was eventually converted into a pedestrian bridge in 2008. It is a life-span bridge crossing the Arkansas River and ties together the towns of Little Rock and North Little Rock.
This $5.8 million rehab project resulted in the 360-foot lift span being permanently fixed at thirty-eight feet above the river, with access provided by stairs or a glass-enclosed elevator. About eighty percent of the project was supplied by federal funds, with Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County providing the remainder, as well as ongoing maintenance funding. The Junction Bridge was dedicated for its new use on May 17, 2008, and serves as an important link in the Arkansas River Trail system.
Today Junction Bridge is part of the Arkansas River Trail, and connects the popular River Market with the Argenta Historic District, ALLTEL Arena, and Dickey-Stephens Park. The bridge also completes a loop on the Arkansas River Trail formed by trails on the north and south sides of the river and the pedestrian-friendly Big Dam Bridge located seven miles to the west.
Since it’s completion in 2008, Junction Bridge has won a couple of awards! The Pedestrian Conversion Project was awarded the 08 Best Transportation Project and was also awarded the 08 Merit for Public Design.
One of the best parts of visiting the Junction Bridge is the fact that is part of Riverfront Park. This is such a cool park and definitely worth visiting. There are great views of the bridge and lots of places to take photos, including the silly one above.
Besides the great view of the bridge, you will also find that the history pavilion of the park takes you on a trip back in time. It is also home to an Indian Head statue which was carved by Peter Toth in 1975. This statue was one of approximately sixty Native American likenesses that he carved in all 50 states. The statue represents a tribute to Native Americans.
Riverfront Park is also home to more than 100 works of art across its 30+ acre campus. The highest density is found in the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden. Sadly we didn’t have much time to check out the art sculptures, but did have a wonderful time walking around, reading some plaques, and watching the kids run around. Even our doggie seemed to have fun being out in the open air.
I-30 exit 141A, immediately south of river. Bear right, following signs for 2nd St. After two blocks turn right onto Rock St., then drive two blocks to Ottenheimer Plaza and Riverfront Park. You’ll see the bridge and parking to the left.
From the south
I-30 exit 141A. Follow signs for Clinton Ave. The ramp merges onto 2nd St., which quickly dead-ends. Turn left, then left again onto Clinton Ave. Drive 4 blocks. Turn right onto Rock St., then drive two blocks to Ottenheimer Plaza and Riverfront Park. Bridge and parking on left.
Early March of 2022 when took a 4-day weekend trip to check out the small town of Wichita, Kansas. One of the things high on my list I wanted to see was the Keeper of the Plains. It stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers and is located adjacent to the Mid-America All-Indian Center. This 44-foot Cor-Ten steel sculpture by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin was erected on May 18, 1974, to celebrate the United States Bi-centennial and has kept a watchful eye on the city ever since. Around the statue are multiple displays which describe the life, belief, and practices of the local Plains Indians tribe(s) that used to inhabit the area, as well as several fire pits which are sometimes lit to illuminate the statue at night. Below are some of the writing on the displays sharing their stories. Here is also a link to their website with more information if you want to visit yourself while in the area. Continue reading “Plains Indians and the Keeper of the Plains – Wichita, KS”
Gene and I were in Buffalo exploring the area and Niagara Falls in October 2021. While in the area, we were happy to be able to do a short beautiful drive about 35 miles southeast of Buffalo and visit Letchworth State Park. Neither of us had heard about this place, but our Airbnb host Joanne told us about it and I can’t thank her enough. It is something we are so glad we were able to visit. The road followed the Genesee River and went through several little towns like Leicester, Mount Morris, Portage, Castile, and Genesee Falls. We did stop in one of these little towns to grab a soda to go along with the lunch we had packed for the day.
As those of you who have followed my blog for a while, you probably know I really loved bridges. Not sure exactly why I do, but I do, lol. Today I want to share some information and pictures about the beautiful Mackinaw Bridge. We were able to travel across it while in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for our anniversary in May of this year. I had heard of this bridge for many years, and couldn’t wait to see it in person. It didn’t disappoint J It is/was beautiful. Before I tell you a little bit about our visit, let me give you some history about the bridge itself.
In December 2018 we were lucky enough to spend a week in New York. It was magical and I loved seeing the city all decked out for Christmas. The sights and sounds were amazing. Since it was our second trip to New York and decided to explore a little and headed out to take some pictures of the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge. We did some searching and found that the best place to see both of these was at a place called Brooklyn Bridge Park in the DUMBO neighborhood. DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.It’s the Brooklyn neighborhood where Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges meet.
As you may have noticed in several other posts, in May of 2018 we spent two weeks in Europe. We had a great time running around Germany and Austria. We also spent a couple of days in Prague, Czech Republic. There were a few things I wanted to see while in the area. However, the Charles Bridge was on the top of my list. It looked amazing and couldn’t wait to check it out. Sadly the weather was unpredictable. It was hot and sunny one minute, then overcast and cloudy the next. We made the most of it though and took as many pictures as I could when I could. Continue reading “Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic – Our Wonderful Experience”
The Perrine Bridge is a spectacular bridge which spans the majestic Snake River Canyon on the northern edge of Twin Falls. It is 1,500 feet long and 486 feet above the Snake River. The four-lane bridge has pedestrian walkways with views of the river, sheer cliffs, the Blue Lakes, waterfalls, and can’t be missed as you come into town. It is jaw dropping beautiful. Continue reading “Perrine Bridge – Twin Falls, Idaho. Majestic Scenery”
In September of 2017, while working in the Boston area, I was able to explore a few areas such as the Long Wharf Pier and Harbor. Another place I really enjoyed visiting for a few hours was the Boston Public Garden. My intention was to make a quick tour through the park, then head over to the Boston Commons. However, this didn’t happen for a few reasons: First I was running out of daylight. Secondly, it is a very large garden. But mostly, it was because it is such an amazing park. Continue reading “Boston Public Garden and Park – Boston Massachusetts”
We have been to Florida many times and enjoyed the differences between different areas of the state. I have to say though, that I fell in love with the Tampa / St. Petersburg area on our very first trip in May of 1999. Exploring Salvador Dali was probably one of the highlights of our time in this area. However, I also love bridges and had to go see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge since we were so close to it. I don’t know why I am so fascinated with bridges, but I just love them. This bridge was spectacular. Continue reading “Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge – Sarasota Florida”