A lot of my focus lately has been on eateries and hotels throughout Nashville. Sometimes you just want to get out and walk while enjoying some sights, which is why today, I want to talk about the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. What is this Nashville pedestrian bridge, and should you check it out?
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge extends the length of Nashville’s Cumberland River, which is 3,150 feet in all. Few pedestrian bridges in the world are as long as this one!
In today’s guide, I’ll tell you everything there is to know about the Nashville pedestrian bridge, including its history, how long it would take to traverse the bridge, and what there is to do nearby. You won’t want to miss it, so keep reading!
What Is the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge?
The Nashville pedestrian bridge is known in full as the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
It was once named the Shelby Avenue Bridge aka the Shelby Street Bridge and before that, the Sparkman Street Bridge.
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge was built in time to open in the summer of 1909. The bridge linked Shelby Avenue and Sparkman Street, which explains both of the former names of the pedestrian bridge.
The bridge was originally built for just $475,000 and led by Howard M. Jones, who had also acted as the chief office engineer for the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway.
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a truss bridge, which means that connected elements bear the load of the bridge.
The superstructures of this bridge were originally built using steel (covered in black paint) while the substructures were concrete (in light gray).
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge has the distinction of being the first of its kind in North America to feature concrete arched trusses.
Several years after the bridge was built, the concrete structures began to wear away. By 1930, gunite was added to replace the degraded concrete.
Then, another 30 years after that, the bridge needed more repairs, as it did in the early 1990s.
Even still, by 1998, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
When the bridge was repaired in the 1990s, it was refurbished with new additions built. Those include stairways, ramps, and an elevator.
Since the refurbishments, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge joins the Metro Nashville Greenway System.
The bridge, being one of the most beloved landmarks in Nashville, has unsurprisingly been the site for many a music video.
Those videos include the Big & Rich hit “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)”, Emerson Drive’s “Moments,” and a few scenes in the Dolly Parton music video for “Together You and I.”
How Long Is the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge?
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge offers views of the Cumberland River, which is itself 668 miles long. The bridge is 3,150 feet or 960 meters and is one of the longest of its type on the planet.
How Long Would It Take You to Walk the Length of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge?
Do you want to take a walk? If you strolled the length of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, exactly how long would it take you?
Well, the bridge is about a half-mile long, so it’s not a strenuous walk at all.
It may take you about 10 to 15 minutes to walk the entirety of the pedestrian bridge, which is not bad, I’d say.
That said, take your time and focus on enjoying the experience rather than rushing through it. You’ll be able to see gorgeous views all around you, including the aforementioned Cumberland River on either side!
Is It Free to Walk Across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge?
Are you interested in exploring the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge? You may wonder if it’s free to travel across the half-mile bridge that’s a beloved part of Nashville’s long-term history.
The answer to that question is yes! The bridge is open 24 hours a day, so whether you want to get from Point A to Point B or you just want to stroll the bridge when there are fewer people out, you can take a leisurely walk and get some good exercise in as well.
What’s There to Do Near the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge?
If you’re in the area of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, trust me when I say there is a lot to check out here. Let’s go over your entertainment options!
Nissan Stadium
Parking lot access to Nissan Stadium is in the vicinity of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
The Nissan Stadium is a Nashville multi-purpose stadium and the home field of the beloved Tennessee Titans. The Tigers of Tennessee State University play here all the time as well.
Every year, Nissan Stadium is the host of the CMA Music Festival for those who aren’t as into sports.
The seating capacity of the Nissan Stadium is 69,143, so it certainly has the room for you to buy a ticket to a sports game, concert, or another live event!
Ascend Amphitheater
Also in the area is the Ascend Amphitheater on the Cumberland River in Metro Riverfront Park. This 6,800-seater building opened in 2015. Live Nation operates the venue, so you can always expect to see a great concert here!
Wander Nashville
Are you new to Nashville and trying to gain your bearings? You can always sign up for the walking tour known as Wander Nashville.
The tour costs $10 and will take you through all the must-see parts of this area, including Nashville Riverfront Park, Historic Second Avenue North, Ryman Auditorium (stay tuned), 5th Avenue of the Arts, Legislative Plaza, Printers’ Alley, the Walk of Fame Arena, Symphony Center on 3rd Avenue, and Lower Broadway.
Gray Line Tennessee
If you’d rather not walk around Nashville, you can always travel in style on Gray Line Tennessee! They offer an assortment of bus tours, such as:
- Nashville City Tour
- Discover Nashville Tour
- Memphis Day Trip
- Home of the Stars Tour
- Franklin’s Civil War Tour
- General Jackson Showboat Tour (with lunch or dinner)
- Nashville Night Trolley Tour
- Music Legends Museum Tour
Ryman Auditorium
One of the most must-see destinations in Nashville is the Ryman Auditorium. This venue has 2,362 seats. Remodeled in 2012 after more than 60 years, the theater looks better than ever.
With the addition of the Wildhorse Saloon and the Bridgestone Arena, downtown Nashville became a happening spot once again in part due to the new and improved Ryman Auditorium.
Even if you can’t attend a show here, you should at least take a walk by and check out this classic, historic Nashville building.
The Johnny Cash Museum
If you’re a fan of Johnny Cash’s music (and really, who isn’t?), then you can’t miss the Johnny Cash Museum conveniently located in the vicinity of the Nashville pedestrian bridge.
The museum celebrates all things Cash, with rare memorabilia, instruments, and photos from throughout Cash’s illustrious life and career!
Devil’s Dungeon
Do you want to get the pants scared off of you? (Not literally, of course). For those who are brave enough, Devil’s Dungeon offers a different breed of entertainment.
This haunted house is open every fall. The tour-led experience includes more than 50 scenes, a lot of them gory and shocking. This is not for the faint of heart!
Should You Visit the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge?
Is a trip to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in your future? I think it should be.
Sure, the bridge isn’t a bar or museum or hotel. That said, it’s still a treasured piece of Nashville history.
If you’re trying to see the most important landmarks in the city, I would say the Nashville pedestrian bridge is certainly one of them.
Even if you only witness the majesty of the bridge rather than scale its half-mile length, that’s okay. This is a popular spot for walking, getting to nearby arenas, and general Nashville travel, so it’s always bustling.
If you come out of your way, you won’t be disappointed. You can check out nearby museums, entertainment venues, walking or boss tours, and some oddball entertainment that’s uniquely Nashville.
Final Thoughts
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge is a Nashville bridge over the Cumberland River. This half-mile bridge has been a Nashville staple since it was built in the early 1900s.
Crossing the bridge is a great way to reach the next destination on your itinerary while getting some exercise in as well. If you have the chance to see this lovely bridge, let alone cross it, that’s an opportunity you should not miss!