Today I crossed a big item off my Oklahoma bucket list when I finally got to visit the famous swinging bridge of Pawhuska. If you’re planning a visit to the Mercantile, be sure to “swing” by the bridge on your way-only a three minute drive from downtown!
The bridge was originally constructed in 1926, a mere nineteen years after Oklahoma became a state. The placard near the entrance assures visitors that the bridge was refurbished in 1970, but somehow that failed to put my mind at ease. I’m not terribly afraid of heights, but once that bridge started swinging, I discovered that I am afraid of falling from heights into the murky water below.
But facing your fears only builds character, right? So ahead I charged. I can attest that I made it across the bridge dry and in one piece, and the occasional loose board is just there to keep you on your toes, I presume. The placard also assures visitors that the bridge can hold up to 25 people at a time, although the most I saw cross it at once today was a family of five. Maybe don’t tempt fate by testing it at maximum capacity.
My adventures today also took me to the small unincorporated town of Pershing, where the remains of a historic school can be found. The ruins can be found just off of Highway 11, about ten miles south/southeast of Pawhuska. I am quite a sucker for ruins, so I was particularly excited to see this historic site. One of the things I love most about exploring Oklahoma is the kindness of people I encounter, When I found myself on the wrong street, a kindly local gentleman on a lawnmower directed me to my destination. If you have a love of all things abandoned, put this on your Oklahoma bucket list now!
Where should I travel next, Okies? Drop me a comment below, and be sure to follow my adventures on Instagram @oklahomaexplorer ! Thanks for following along!
The Oklahoma Explorer 