This cache is part of the Emmet County History Quest Geo-Trail. When discovering the historic places in Emmet County as you travel from cache to cache, you will need to answer a specific question on your passport. Information and the passport can be downloaded from the Emmet County web site http://www.emmetcounty.org/geocache/
Once you have completed 20 of the caches in this tour, take your passport to Emmet County Building, Suite 178 or mail the passport to Beth Piehl, Emmet County Building, Suite 178, 200 Division St., Petoskey, MI 49770 to receive a collectable souvenir tag for this series.
The Bear River Bridge was designed by the Michigan State Highway Department, and constructed by Whitney Brothers' Contractors in 1930 in the ‘Moderne’ architectural style. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this bridge is known for its decorative railings and piers and is the fourth longest concrete girder bridge in Michigan. It has seven spans providing an overall length of 265 feet.
Bear River Valley Recreation Area is located beneath the Bear River Bridge. This expansive park features steep terrain, unpaved and paved trails, forests, and boardwalks. Activities include biking, walking, hiking, fishing, picnicking in two shelters, restrooms, and nature watching. Entrances to this park are located on West Lake Street, Sheridan Street, and adjacent neighborhoods.