CELEBRATING…

THE McGILVRAY BRIDGES BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE

The Historic McGilvray Bridges 
and the
 Friends Who Saved Them

Read the Introduction 

Ray Kyro signing books	Mike Klafke and Art Anderson autographing books	Trempealeau Hotel signing party

Photos from the special book signing event featuring Ray Kyro, author and historian. 
Art Anderson and Michael Klafke were also available to autograph the book as their paintings were an integral part of helping to save the bridges.
The book signing was held Saturday December 15th at the historic Trempealeau Hotel in Trempealeau, Wisconsin.                                                                                                      

“The McGilvray Bridges and the Friends Who Saved Them” by Ray Kyro.  Sixty-four pages of history and photos. Wonderful for special occasions and as gifts for your summer hosts or guests.  Also available by mail for $34.00, or at the Van Loon Animal Hospital, The Trempealeau Hotel & The Holmen Historical Society for $30.00.  

INTRODUCTION

Hidden away in a bottomland hardwood forest along the Black River north of
La Crosse, Wisconsin is a group of old iron bridges like none other in the
upper Midwest and possibly in the nation.  These bridges, located in the 
Van Loon Wildlife Area, are known locally as "The McGilvray Road Bridges." 
The structures are five of only eight bowstring arch bridges remaining in the
state. Two others are located in city parks in Fond du Lac and Watertown
and a third is in Anmicon State Park in Douglas County, Wisconsin.  

 

A beautiful spot in McGilvray Bottoms is the beginning of the East Channel,
downstream from Hunter's Bridge.
A hiking trail will lead you to a place of rest and inspiration.

One can hardly find a trail in Wisconsin more scenic or with a more exciting
history than the McGilvray Road.  To hike the pedestrian-only roadway, 
which terminates at the west, or main channel of the Black River, is to walk
with ghosts.  They're all here: the Indians, the trappers and the settlers.  
Since the mid-1800's, when the ferry service began, moccasin-clad and booted
feet have traveled back and forth across the McGilvray Bottoms.

McGilvray's ferry service was well-received and operated until 1892, 
when a two hundred and fifty foot steel bridge was built across the main channel. 
Within days, eight pile bridges were erected along the McGilvray Road.  
They proved to be no match for the unpredictable Black River.

In 1953 a new Highway 93 was constructed 1.5 miles south of the McGilvray 
Road and a new bridge was built across the Black River.  By 1985, when the
road was officially closed to pedestrian traffic, it had been a town road, a county
 road, part of the state trunk system and a state detour route.  With the traffic
gone, it became a well-kept secret for hikers, hunters, birders and countless others searching for simple pleasures.  Today, thanks to the Friends of McGilvray Road, legislators and the private sector, the trail is in good condition.  With additional 
funds and a bit of luck, handicapped visitors will someday enjoy more of the
bottomland adventure.

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