Veterans' Bridge - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Veterans' Bridge, located in Pueblo County, Colorado, is a beautiful spot to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can hike or bike along the river, fish for trout, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The bridge itself is also a popular destination for photographers and painters, who come to capture the unique beauty of the structure. In addition, Veterans' Bridge is a popular spot for picnics and other gatherings. Visitors can bring their own food or purchase items from the concession stand. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time at Veterans' Bridge, it's sure to be a unforgettable experience.

Veterans' Bridge was built in the early 1920s to connect the cities of Pueblo and Florence in southern Colorado. The bridge spans the Arkansas River and is one of the longest bridges in the state, at just over 1,000 feet long. It was originally named the Pueblo-Florence Bridge, but was renamed in honor of veterans of World War I in 1923. The bridge was closed to traffic in 1998 due to its deteriorating condition, but was reopened after undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2004. Today, Veterans' Bridge is a popular spot for fishing and walking, and offers stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley.

The best time to visit Veterans' Bridge is in the springtime, when the weather is mild and the fish are biting. The days are longer, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy all that the bridge has to offer. Plus, the spring flowers add a splash of color to the landscape.

1. Start your day early. Veterans' Bridge is located in a canyon, so it can get quite hot during the day. Starting your walk early will help you avoid the heat and enjoy the cooler morning air.
2.  Wear sunscreen. In addition to being hot, the sun in Colorado can be very strong. Don't forget to apply sunscreen before heading out for your walk.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. The bridge is located next to a busy road, so it's important to be aware of traffic when crossing the street or walking along the edge of the canyon.
4. Leash your dog . Dogs are welcome at Veterans' Bridge, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. 
5. Take your trash with you . There are no garbage cans at Veterans' Bridge , so please carry out any trash you bring with you.
6. Take a tour of the bridge museum. The museum tells the story of how the bridge was built and its significance to the community.
7. Shop for souvenirs at Union Avenue Marketplace .The marketplace features local shops and restaurants.

1. The Veterans' Bridge in Pueblo County, Colorado was built in 1925 and is one of the oldest bridges in the state.
2. It was originally named the Pueblo Memorial Bridge, but was renamed in honor of veterans in 1945.
3. It is a steel cantilever bridge, meaning that it is supported by two large piers in the river.
4. In 2007, the bridge was designated as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
5. It is one of only two remaining cantilever bridges in the United States that have an unpainted steel truss structure. 
6. The Veterans' Bridge is an important part of Pueblo's history and a beautiful example of engineering excellence.
7. Today, the Veterans' Bridge is used by an average of 2,500 vehicles per day and is one of the main routes into Pueblo city center.
8.  In 2007, the Veterans' Bridge was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
9. The bridge has also been featured in several films and TV shows, including Weinstein Company's 'Hateful Eight' (2015) and AMC's 'Breaking Bad' (2008).

While there is no set time limit for exploring the bridge, it is generally recommended that visitors allow at least two hours to fully enjoy all that the area has to offer. 

Visitors can reach Veterans' Bridge by taking I-25 south from Denver. Take exit 74 for US-50 W/8th Ave and continue onto US-50 W/8th Ave. After 12 miles, take a slight left onto N Santa Fe Ave and continue for 0.4 miles. Finally, take a left onto Riverside Ave and follow the signs to Veterans' Bridge.

No, there is no entrance fee. However, donations to help with the upkeep of the bridge and veterans' memorials are accepted. 
 

The Veterans' Bridge in Pueblo County, Colorado is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.