The Heath M. Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge (also known as the Cut River Bridge) is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along US 2 Highway, just 26 miles west of St. Ignace. Located next to the bridge is a scenic MDOT Roadside Park, making it a great stop for a hike, picnic and photos as you travel across the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Michigan shoreline.
What makes the Cut River Bridge so special?
The bridge’s green steel structure is picturesque against the autumn-colored leaves as its backdrop, making the bridge a popular stop on Fall color drives in the U.P. The Cut River Bridge is one of only two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan, according to UPTravel.com. With about 400 acres to explore, visitors will find a peaceful place to stop, stretch their legs and enjoy nature.
Roadside Park Amenities:
Visitors will find 2 parking lots located on the East and West ends of the bridge. A small parking area is also located southeast of the bridge (Lake Michigan side). Most visitors may choose the East Parking lot as it has men/women vault toilets, water hand pump, picnic tables, charcoal grills and a few hiking trails to take in the views.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The park has a nature/hiking trail that split into 2 sections along the river. The most popular and recommended trail is the East Trail. This trail takes about 30 minutes to complete. The East Trail starts to the right of the main parking lot closer to the vault toilets. This trail takes visitors through a wooded trail along the top of the Cut River Gorge eventually declining down to the river. The trail continues along the river and can loop back up a set of stairs (about 231 steps) to the main parking lot.
Visitors can also take the East Trail from the bridge. Once viewing the bridge from the tunnel, visitors can continue down the set of stairs (about 231 steps). Once at the bottom of the steps, visitors can turn left and go south to the mouth of the Cut River. This is where the river meets Lake Michigan. Second, visitors can turn right and go along the Cut River to get an amazing view of the bridge 147 feet above. Third, visitors can continue straight and go west, leading into the West Trail. There is a map at the bottom of the steps to help visitors get on the correct path.
Lastly, there is a West Trail that connects to a smaller parking lot on the west side of the river/bridge. The West Trail was washed out in some places during our visit and takes about 20 minutes to complete.
What to Do?
The Cut River Bridge and Roadside Park are open year-round but the best time of year to visit would be between May to October.
Spring:
During late April to early May, visit the trails to get a view of the Hawks and Owls during breeding season. Hike the trails in May to view Spring wildflowers such as trilliums and Dutchman Breeches and listen to the migrating songbirds.
Summer:
Grab a fishing pole and enjoy Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Cut River.
Fall:
Take a fall color walk along the Cut River Gorge. Be sure to take a few iconic photos of the bridge!
Cut River Bridge Facts:
*Construction of the bridge began in 1941 but was shortly halted due to World War II. The bridge was finally completed in 1947. The bridge was constructed by W.J. Meagher and Sons.
*The bridge is 641 feet long and contains 888 short tons of steel
*Cut River is 147 feet below the bridge
*In 2014, The bridge was renamed Heath M. Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge, after a fall member of the Navy SEALS that was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011.
Follow the links for more trips around St. Ignace and the Upper Peninsula!
Heath M. Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge
Lake Michigan Scenic Hwy/ US-2, Naubinway, MI 49762
