Vermont is home to the only floating bridge in the U.S. east of the Mississippi. The bridge literally floats on top of Sunset Lake carrying Vermont Route 65 across the water. It’s unique construction, beautiful views, and small-town charm make this place worth a visit. Take a walk or a drive over this bridge that is unlike any other in the area.

Cross the Sunset Lake Floating Bridge in the town of Brookfield. The center of the wooden structure is for the passage of cars, while pedestrians can cross near the railings on the sides.

TripAdvisor/Laura L

The bridge has seen many changes in its 197-year history and we aren’t just talking about the type of vehicles that use the crossing.

Flickr/cmh2315fl

The first bridge was built by Luther Adams and his neighbors in 1820. The structure was buoyed by pontoons to support it since the lake was too deep for traditional pilings. The bridge has since been replaced seven times.

Flickr/VTrans

In previous versions, the wooden bridge would sag in the middle with vehicle crossings. At times you could create quite a splash when crossing the old bridge.

Flickr/cmh2315fl

The eighth version of the bridge was opened to the public in May of 2015. The support system contains fiber-reinforced polymer pontoons and it is much more stable than the previous bridges.

Wikimedia Commons/Summerlovin6411

The Sunset Lake Floating Bridge is 318 feet long and is wide enough to allow one lane of traffic plus pedestrians to cross.

Flickr/liz west

Not only is this bridge an iconic part of history, it gives way to spectacular views of the lake.

TripAdvisor/taftdev

The bridge also acts as a town center of sorts where residents enjoy taking a stroll or fishing. The lake has quite a reputation for being a hotspot for anglers of all ages.

TripAdvisor/Robin D

On idyllic summer days, if you cross the bridge, you’re bound to hear the laughter of children as they jump into the lake below.

Facebook/Floating Bridge / Sunset Lake Find the bridge on Route 65 crossing Sunset Lake in Brookfield, Vermont, 05036.

Have you ever crossed this unique floating bridge? Vermont is home to many spectacular covered bridges too. Spend the day wandering the countryside and checking some out on this road trip.

TripAdvisor/Laura L

Flickr/cmh2315fl

Flickr/VTrans

Wikimedia Commons/Summerlovin6411

Flickr/liz west

TripAdvisor/taftdev

TripAdvisor/Robin D

Facebook/Floating Bridge / Sunset Lake

Find the bridge on Route 65 crossing Sunset Lake in Brookfield, Vermont, 05036.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Sunset Lake, Brookfield, VT 05036, USA