Zumbrota: Bridge, Theater and Park

Zumbrota offers several sides to a stay: a distinctive historic bridge, a theater with a cultural program, and a park on the Zumbro River with trails and other amenities. This lets you get to know the town according to your interests in architectural history, events, or time outdoors.

The Covered Bridge: History and Present-Day Function

The Zumbrota Covered Bridge was built in 1869 in Zumbrota, in Goodhue County, over the North Branch of the Zumbro River. It is the only surviving example of a covered wooden truss bridge in Minnesota. For those interested in historic structures, it is a notable example of this type of bridge. The bridge’s design and documented history are the main focus of a visit.

Today, the bridge serves as a pedestrian crossing over the Zumbro River. It is located 1,000 feet west of its original site. Its construction and current location are two different aspects of its history: the year 1869 marks its construction, while the reference to its original site describes a change in its location. Its current function as a pedestrian crossing also distinguishes it from a structure viewed only as a historic relic.

Culture at the Zumbrota State Theatre

The Zumbrota State Theatre was built in 1921 as a vaudeville theater for radio broadcasts, plays, and silent films. Its original use already encompassed several forms of entertainment: radio, stage, and film. Today, the theater welcomes audiences for live music, theater, films, special events, and local celebrations. Current stage and film offerings thus complement the venue’s history.

As you plan your stay, you can choose among different cultural interests: live music offers a different focus from theater or film, while special events and local celebrations provide additional occasions to visit. A visit to the State Theatre can be included as a cultural highlight in its own right, alongside an interest in Zumbrota’s bridge history.

Covered Bridge Park and Its Amenities

Covered Bridge Park is located on the Zumbro River and has a local trail network. It is also a starting point for the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail. For anyone interested in walks and trails, these are two specific options: the network of trails within the park and the named state trail, which starts there. These are distinct amenities and should not be treated as one route.

The park is also home to the Kids' Kingdom play area. There is also a beginner disc golf course. The two amenities offer different activities: play for children and an introduction to disc golf. If your travel group has varied interests, you can consider these park amenities separately. The park’s location on the Zumbro River is also part of its character.

Summer Concerts and Festival

East Park hosts Music in the Park: free outdoor concerts throughout the summer, held on Tuesday evenings. The recurring day of the week makes this concert series a clear guide for planning a summer stay. The annual Zumbrota Covered Bridge Festival also takes place in a park in Zumbrota. Music in the Park is the summer concert series; the festival is a separate annual event.

When looking for a vacation rental in Zumbrota, the kind of stay you want can help you decide whether the town is right for you: architectural history, cultural programming, or park amenities appeal to different interests in Zumbrota. You can also discover other destinations on the page about Red Wing.

For the broader travel overview: Goodhue.