The Seven Bridges

The richness if The Seven Bridges land extends well beyond its history. With over 300 acres of land and more than a mile of frontage on the Rapid River, the broad diversity of ecosystems ranges form the crystal clear waters of a blue-ribbon trout stream to the open meadows boasting large white pines and blackberry bushes. The outer boundaries of the property are defined by a maturing northern Michigan hardwoods forest.

Summer and fall are exceptionally beautiful times of the year to visit. Side trails off of the main "bridge trail" take you along the river where the exposed roots of old cedar, hemlock, and birch trees provide a mystical setting capable of inspiring every imagination. These wetlands serve the important ecological role of filtering pollutants and excess nutrients from the watershed.

The land lies in the heart of an ancient river bed carved by glaciers that crossed this region more than 10,000 years ago. Upland trails wander through open fields and along wooded two-tracks through habitat of white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse. Old fruit trees provide some of the few remaining traces of the homesteaded past.

Over the years, the Peschke Family provided guestbooks for visitors to The Seven Bridges to sign. The pages are filled with words that capture what the land means to people;

"My young son caught 6 trout today! He'll remember this spot for as long as he lives. Thanks for letting us "borrow" it for the morning! All trout were returned un good shape for someone else to enjoy."

-Bob and Chris Ryan, June 11, 1988

The Story of the Seven Bridges

In 1868, Jacob Rickers homesteaded the original Seven Bridges property where his four sons- Jacob, William, Carl, and Julius- built a prosperous lumbering business. The remains of the dam for their spill pond can be seen when crossing the first bridge.

Charles Peschke inherited the land from his uncle in 1944. Over the years, Peschke's sons and grandsons built, maintained, and replaced seven rustic wooden bridges crossing the Rapid River and its tributaries. The Peschke family generously allowed visitors to enjoy the property, and it became a popular location for weddings and quiet retreats.

Sadly, a rising tax bill finally forced the Peschke family to sell the property, and it landed in the hands of a development partnership. The land was quickly slated for 10-acre private estates.

Fortunately, the developers never got the chance to subdivide the property, In 1994, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy Board Members LouAnn Taylor and Virginia Sorenson and their friend Helen Milliken went to the Seven Bridges for a picnic lunch. To their surprise, the land already had stakes in the ground marking proposed lots. The women began formulating a land protection strategy right that day.

As a result of that now famous picnic, the Regional Conservancy began the long and difficult process of securing a $450,000 grant from Michigan natural Resources Trust Fund, a pool of money available for protecting land for public use.

Finally, on June 15,1998, The Seven Bridges became an official public natural area, protected from development for today's and all future generations to enjoy.

While the 314-acre Seven Bridges property is officially in the hands of the State of Michigan, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has assumed its primary caretaking. The Regional Conservancy plans to work hand-in-hand with the state to manage the property in a way that retains its rustic character while protecting the ecological integrity of the land.

What has happened to all seven bridges?

The original wooden bridges were used to facilitate travel around the spill pond for the lumber operations. However, when the Peschke family inherited the land, their primary reason for adding bridges (to a total of seven) was to make the area accessible for visitors.

The bridges were strategically placed to enjoy the scenery along the braided waters of the Rapid River. The bridge from the road crossed a "mountain stream" with exceptionally cool and clear water. Before the Peschke family had a well, they would collect their drinking water from the that stream.

Today, some of the downstream bridges have collapsed beyond repair and have been removed. Several safety concerns with the remaining bridges had to be addressed and the primary bridges have been rebuilt.

While we mourn the loss of the rustic bridges, the new wooden bridges make it possible for the beauty and solitude of this pristine region to be safely enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities.

What can you do at Seven Bridges?

Continuing the tradition of the Peschke family, The Seven Bridges has been maintained primarily for quiet recreation and enjoyment.

As property of the State of Michigan, The Seven Bridges is also open for activities such as mountain biking, fishing, and hunting. However, designated trails are currently limited until stewardship work is completed.

For more information about permitted uses at the property, please call the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy at (231) 929-7911 or the Department of Natural Resources at (231) 258-2711. Also, visit the Conservancy's web site at www.gtrlc.org to learn about other nature preserves and natural areas in the vicinity.