Crossing the Ohio - The Big Four Bridge
I see this bridge every day when crossing Lincoln on my way back from work. Especially during wintertime, when it's already dark during my commute, I love seeing the spectacular lights in the distance. I used to cross it when I first moved here, but I’d forgotten how nice it is — it hadn’t crossed my mind to walk it again one evening instead of just sitting on the couch. It took starting this newsletter to finally set out on this simple adventure again. And I'm happy I did it.
The bridge was opened in 1895 and used for railroad traffic until 1968. In 1975, it became known as “the bridge that goes nowhere” after its approach ramps were removed, leaving it without any access points. In 2013, following a $22 million investment, it reopened as a pedestrian bridge. The name Big Four Bridge is an homage to the Big Four Railroad Company.
So, last Friday, I told my wife to meet me in front of Against the Grain. She thought we'd just grab a drink here, but little did she know that I had an adventure planned for us. Maybe I should have told her in advance so that she could've brought her tennis shoes ...
We crossed under spaghetti junction to Waterfront Park and headed down the Ohio River.
Side note - Spaghetti Junction and the I-64 are my least favorite parts about Louisville. Imagine how great it would be if downtown were by the water and there weren't 10 lanes of traffic in between. However, it does look funny in Google Maps.
It took us 15 minutes to reach the spiraling ramp leading up the walking bridge, and after the ascent, we were rewarded with two stunning views. Behind us were downtown and Lynn Family Stadium. Ahead of us stretched the bridge. I love this view. The bridge seems to go on forever into nowhere. I don't know another bridge that has a feeling to it quite like this one; standing on top of the Ohio, with Louisville's skyline unfolding in the background, while being amongst the steel beams that once carried trains across the river.
Also, it was this view that inspired me to start "Pictures to Take Around Louisville". I've been into photography for quite a while and like the idea of going out just to find one specific image. Maybe it'll inspire you too.
Then, we noticed something strange. A group of people was oddly fascinated by one of the bridge beams. According to them, it is Louisville's newest and greatest landmark: Louie, a tree that decided that a railroad bridge is the best place to grow. I don't even know whether it has any dirt down there, but Louie doesn't seem to care.
Walking over to the Indiana side, we were able to watch boats driving through below us, planes flying overhead, and other people enjoying their hike across. It was a great atmosphere, and what struck me was how simple it was. We didn't have to spend a single dollar and just decided to spend 2 hours after work on a walk rather than watching TV. We traded a forgettable evening for a lasting memory.
The trip didn't stay free much longer, as we rewarded ourselves with pizzas at Parlour as soon as we reached Jeffersonville. I'm sure this little town will be the center of some future adventures.
This week's adventure ends here.
If you like the idea of creating your own memories around Louisville instead of watching someone else's life happen on a screen, follow along for a little inspiration each week.
Until then
🦦
