The Ada Bridge, which crosses Thornapple River, required some extreme measures for its lasting preservation. From time to time, an interesting method to ensure the bridge would stay in place during periods of high water, wagons, loaded with stone, were parked on the bridge. Sometimes called the Bradford Bridge, the span was an important link to the village of Ada. Built in 1867 by William Holmes, the covered bridge remained in service for over 60 years.
   The Ada Bridge, one of Michigan's few remaining covered bridges, is listed on the National Register and received its historic marker in the early 1970s. The Brown trussed bridge received major repairs on three separate occasions (1913, 1941, 1979). Shortly after the last refurb, sad to say the bridge completely burned. Concerned citizens, along with the help of the local the Amway Corporation, raised funds to build a 125 foot replica bridge. Today the Ada Bridge is the main attraction at Ada's Leonard Park and is open to foot traffic. This covered bridge is one of three in the Grand Rapids area.

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