An Architectural Timepiece

No matter the time of year, from spring blooms to summer breezes, from fall colors to a winter wonderland, if there’s a covered bridge in the picture, it’s guaranteed to bring up feelings of awe, romance, and nostalgia for what once was.

Over a hundred years ago, in the mid to late-1800s bridges were often built covered to protect the structures from weather and decay. While the covered bridge was an engineering logistic in the days of horse-drawn carriages, it has now become an intriguing reminder of the past and therefore, covered bridges are now recognized historical sites. Michigan has only a few covered bridges that are open to vehicles, one of which is the Fallasburg Covered Bridge going over Flat River, near Lowell, MI.

A Village of Dreams and Aspirations

Fallasburg was once a small pioneer village founded by John Wesley Fallass in the 1830s during the land rush. It was an industrious community with a sawmill and chair factory, along with other facilities, and is considered to have had one of the first furniture manufacturers in Kent County.

However, in 1858 the D&M Railroad came through nearby Lowell, MI, which then surpassed Fallasburg in commerce and economic growth. While Fallasburg continued to see growth for the next ten years, it eventually began to decline. The famous Fallasburg Covered Bridge was built in 1871 and is one of the few bridges that still supports vehicular traffic, though it does come with the warning: “$5 fine for riding or driving on this bridge faster than a walk.” The Fallasburg Covered Bridge became listed with the Michigan State Register of Historic Places in 1959 and the National Register in 1972.

As for the village, in 1928, a Kent County park was established, which contains the Fallasburg Covered Bridge, as well as presenting a number of other park facilities and recreational activities, such as areas for picnics, cycling, disc golf, and more. Fallasburg Park is also home to an annual fall festival. The village became a state and nationally recognized historic site in 1999.

A Relic of the Past

While the economic fate of Fallasburg may have declined and frozen in time, it provides us a unique look into a long-gone era and helps us enjoy a moment of peace and reflection. A bustling area before, now it has become a relic of an era we always hear and read about. If you visit Fallasburg Park and the Fallasburg Covered Bridge, embrace not only the natural beauty surrounding you, but take a moment to reflect on the lives, dreams, and stories that may have passed through the area before you.

Northern Nail Polish is all about bringing the Michigan experience to your very fingertips- literally! It’s not only about making you look pretty, but also about connecting you with Michigan and instilling a sense of awe for this great state, and being proud to wear what it stands for all to see. So if you decide to head over to Fallasburg, check out the beautiful golden-colored Fallasburg Park nail polish. The color is a part of the newly released Fall 2020 collection featuring 7 other vibrant nature and autumn-themed nail polishes. Make sure to check out the entire collection and get ready for the ultimate fashionable fall season!