The Rainbow Bridge on Route 66 in Kansas

The Rainbow Bridge on Route 66 in Kansas is also known as the Brush Creek Bridge. It’s located in Cherokee County on a country road about three miles north of Baxter Springs and is the only remaining arch bridge on Route 66.

It’s a beautiful bridge and a great place to stop and take a picture of one of the last bridges of its kind on Route 66. Let’s take a look at why this bridge is so special.

The Rainbow Bridge on Historic Route 66 Near Baxter Springs, Kansas

Where The Bridge is Located

The History of the Rainbow Bridge

The Bridge was designed by an engineer named James B. Marsh and constructed by the Maxwell Construction Company. Marsh was a pioneer in steel and concrete bridge construction. His company, the Marsh Engineering Company had at least two patents for the arch style bridge.

In March 1923, the Maxwell Construction Company won a contract for the bridge with a bid of $15,937. The contracts were approved by the Kansas Highway Commission in April, 1923 and excavation for the bridge began on April 12, 1923. The bridge was completed except for the handrails and approaches on November 27, 1923.

Work had to stop in December because of bad winter weather. The final slab for the bridge was laid on May 22, 1924 and the bridge opened for traffic shortly afterward. It carried motorists on Route 66 over Brush Creek until the 1960s when it was bypassed by the Interstate.

The Rainbow bridge has remained largely unchanged until 1983 when it was designated as a National Historic Place and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2005, a restoration project began to restore this iconic structure to its original appearance.

Why Visit the Rainbow Bridge?

If you’re driving along Route 66, you can’t miss the painted steel arches that make up this beautiful bridge. Here are just a few reasons why you should take time to pull off and admire this historic structure:

View beautiful scenery
Learn about history – What makes this bridge even more special is its connection to one of America’s most iconic highways—Route 66! As you drive across it or stand atop it admiring its beauty, take some time to learn about how it came to be and how it’s connected to our nation’s past.
Experience a piece of Americana – The Rainbow Bridge not only serves as an architectural landmark but also provides visitors with a glimpse into what life was like during America’s golden age—the early 1900s! You won’t find many places that offer such an authentic experience nowadays; so take advantage while you still can!

With its bright white concrete arches and picturesque views, there’s no denying that the Rainbow Bridge has become one of Kansas’ most beloved attractions along historic Route 66! Whether you’re looking for some photos or just want to learn more about America’s past, make sure you add this stop to your vacation itinerary—you won’t regret it!