Discovering the Inspiration Behind “Seven Bridges Road”
Did you know that the song “Seven Bridges Road,” written and recorded by Steve Young, was inspired by a real road in Montgomery, Alabama? Back in 1969, Young was living in Montgomery when he found inspiration on Woodley Road (County Road 39). This rural two-lane road, running south off East Fairview Avenue at Cloverdale Road, features—you guessed it—seven bridges. The road includes three pairs of bridges, with the seventh bridge standing alone about a mile south. Young and his friends often spent time “carousing around” on Woodley Road, and his experiences there led to the creation of the song we know today.
The Magic of Duluth’s Seven Bridges Road
But wait, there’s more! Duluth, Minnesota, also boasts a beautiful Seven Bridges Road, part of the Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway. Known for its parks and boulevards, Duluth offers a picturesque drive that travels up Occidental Boulevard from Superior Street, crossing Hawk Ridge to Glenwood Avenue—a journey of about 4 miles. This road serves as the eastern terminus of Duluth’s famous Skyline Parkway, winding through forests of pine and birch and following the lower portion of Amity Creek, the western branch of the Lester River, as it descends toward Lake Superior.
A Glimpse into History
The Seven Bridges Road in Duluth is celebrated for its beautifully crafted stone-arch bridges, all similar in design and construction, which give the road its name. Construction on this original section began in 1899 and opened the following year. It took over three decades to complete the upper connection across Hawk Ridge. The bridges are faced with native basalt and bluestone rock, with cap rocks made of pink opal granite from St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The drive was built by Samuel Snively, a Duluth pioneer who owned a large farm above the Duluth suburbs of Lester Park and Lakeside. His farm was famous for its thoroughbred stock and scenic layout, including a glimpse of Lake Superior through the Amity Creek valley. Snively often hiked through the valley, envisioning a park drive that would rival any other in Duluth. He donated sixty acres of his own property and worked with other landowners to secure the necessary rights-of-way and funds.
Building the Scenic Route
Construction began in late 1899, with the road crew starting at the junction of Oriental and Occidental boulevards. Snively also built a house as a centerpiece for his hilltop farm during this period. By the spring of 1900, the road reached about a mile up from its starting point. Initially called Spring Garden Boulevard, the road became known as Snively Road, and a remnant still exists today, skirting the hillside between Glenwood Avenue and Woodland Avenue.
Upon completion, Snively presented his road to the city as a designated parkway, turning his attention back to his farm. Despite its popularity, the road fell into disrepair, and by 1910, all the wooden bridges had fallen into ruin. However, the road’s destiny changed when it was handed over to Duluth’s park commission, which hired the architectural landscaping firm Morell & Nichols to design new stone-arch bridges.
Restoring the Road
In 1911, the road was regraded and graveled, and local stonemasons built the new bridges. The completed road, renamed Amity Parkway, became part of Duluth’s boulevard system. Although Snively moved on to other projects, he returned as mayor of Duluth to build the final leg to Hawk Ridge. Today, the remaining seven bridges are still used, though they have suffered from weather, vandalism, and accidents. Despite this, they remain structurally sound.
Modern-Day Seven Bridges Road
The city of Duluth recognized the historic significance of the bridges and initiated a restoration program in the mid-1990s. The first restoration project, Bridge #2, began in late 1996 and was completed the following summer. The project was hailed a success, and the restoration of the remaining bridges continues.
Seven Bridges Road remains one of Duluth’s idyllic drives. You might encounter hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and automobiles. Fishermen angle for trout along the creek, and swimmers cool off in the summer pools. During winter, snowmobilers share the route with hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoe enthusiasts. The road’s final extension to Hawk Ridge offers one of the finest vistas of Lake Superior, especially during the autumn bird migration.
Reflecting on a Legacy
In November 1934, Sam Snively, nearing his 75th birthday and serving his last term as mayor, stood along Hawk Ridge overlooking Duluth and Lake Superior. Reflecting on his long life, he saw the fulfillment of his vision for Seven Bridges Road and its enduring legacy as a beloved scenic drive.
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