Rustic Bridge is also known as Boulder Bridge or Rocky Bridge because of its stony appearance. When part of the construction of Stow Lake took place during the 1890s, large boulders of the local chert (a tough sedimentary rock that when broken can form rather sharp edges) were transformed into this rustic-looking structure with the double arches.
The Rustic Bridge crosses Stow Lake on the southwest side of the island. The Roman Bridge connects Strawberry Hill to the Stow Lake perimeter, and is much plainer visually than its counterpart.
The Rustic and Roman Bridge allow pedestrians to walk from the outer shore of Stow Lake to reach the hidden treasures of Strawberry Hill island, including Huntington Falls. Rustic Bridge is large enough to let boats travel underneath – an act that has been happening for more than a century. Visitors to the park enjoy the natural surroundings of the bridge, as the combination of trees and rays of sunlight provide a comforting backdrop.
The bridge was designed by Arthur Page Brown, who also designed the Ferry Building.
Bring a pen and take in the serene scene that you see before you.