I bet you drive past it now and then, but how much do you really know about Simsbury’s Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge? This historic pedestrian bridge spans the Farmington River and seems to capture the town’s charm no matter the season.

In a town full of historic landmarks, one bridge has managed to reinvent itself—not with traffic, but with flowers. Simsbury’s Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge spans the Farmington River, quietly blending history, preservation, and community life in a way few structures ever do.

More Than Just a Pretty Crossing
The Old Drake Hill Bridge was built in 1892 as a one lane metal truss bridge, carrying horse drawn carriages and early automobiles across the Farmington River. Like many bridges of its era, it eventually became outdated. But unlike most, it wasn’t torn down.

By 1984, the bridge earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and when a modern two lane bridge replaced it in 1992, Simsbury made a deliberate choice: preserve the original structure for pedestrians rather than demolish it. That decision set the stage for the bridge’s second life.

How a Bridge Became a Community Project
In 1995, the bridge officially became the “Flower Bridge.” The transformation was intentional; filling the bridge with flowers gave it a new purpose and ensured continued care and attention.

Today, the Town of Simsbury maintains the structure itself, while the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge Committee, a local nonprofit, oversees the floral displays. The flowers are funded through a subscription program, where residents and supporters sponsor individual flower boxes to help cover planting and upkeep costs. Demand is so strong that all subscriptions are currently spoken for.

As seasons change, so does the bridge. Recently, the summer and fall flowers were replaced with evergreen boxes, allowing the bridge to remain welcoming even in winter’s quieter months.

Not Just a Walkway
Over the years, the Flower Bridge has evolved into more than a scenic shortcut across the river. From time to time, it has hosted small gatherings such as yoga classes, storytimes, summer concerts, and painting workshops. Nearby, the pavilion can be reserved for intimate weddings, photo sessions, and small gatherings, making the bridge a backdrop for some of Simsbury’s most memorable moments.

It’s not unusual to see engagement photos being taken, neighbors stopping to chat, or visitors lingering longer than planned.

Why It Matters
The Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge is a reminder that preservation doesn’t have to mean freezing something in time. By giving an obsolete bridge a new role, Simsbury turned infrastructure into a shared public space; one shaped as much by volunteers and residents as by steel and rivets.

Season after season, the bridge continues to do what it has always done: connect people. Just now, it does so a little more beautifully.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

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