Indiana Will Give You This Bridge, If You Can Figure Out What to Do with It

This is a gift that anyone could have, but very few would be able to figure out what do do with it. The state of Indiana has a dilapidated antique bridge over the Wabash River they will give away to anyone who can come up with a compelling use for it.

The bridge is in the north-central region of the state in Wells County near the small community of Vera Cruz about 25 miles south of Fort Wayne.

The state's Department of Transportation posted on Facebook:

Have you ever wanted to own a bridge? Well, you're in luck! We're looking for a new owner to rehabilitate and reuse the Vera Cruz Bridge. The bridge is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as a significant example of an iron truss type. INDOT is now soliciting proposals for potential reuse opportunities.

The bridge was built in 1887 by the Indiana Bridge Company of Muncie. If you're a real bridge nerd, the 150-foot crossing is a "double intersection Pratt (Whipple) through steel truss." Those who really love bridges over at HistoricBridges.org say this bridge is one of the few remaining examples of a Whipple Truss (whatever that is). The bridge is historic enough to have photos of it during its heyday posted on the Library of Congress website.

There are 10 other bridges across the state that also could be given away if they found the right forever home.

There is, believe it or not, a park in Michigan dedicated to preserving old bridges like this. Historic Bridge Park in Battle Creek has 5 old bridges that were relocated from across the state.

If you're on a historic bridge road trip, you'd likely want to stay in a historic hotel. Check out these long-in-the-tooth lodgings from across America: