Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge

Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge A 19th-century bridge turned scenic pedestrian/bikeway and picnic spot, the "Flower Bridge" is surrounded by gardens and provides gorgeous river views.

The Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge in Simsbury, Connecticut is an example of 19th century metal-truss bridge construction. Originally designed and built in 1892, it spans 183 feet and carries a 12-foot roadway suspended 18 feet over the beautiful Farmington River. It was originally designed as a one lane, one way bridge used for vehicular traffic. It was replaced by a modern 2-lane bridge a few hund

red feet to the North in 1992. In 1995, it was restored as a unique bridge. The restoration was possible through 80% of Federal funds at a full cost of $400,000 dollars. n 1996, inspired by the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, MA, groups began to develop community gardens on & around the historic Old Drake Hill Bridge. Four of the now 62 flower boxes on the bridge were built by Simsbury High School students. The boxes were replaced in 2009: designed and built by an Eagle Scout from Canton, CT. He also raised the necessary funds. The new boxes were installed by Simsbury High School students. The bridge was retained as a pedestrian & bicycle way and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The cost of restoration was approximately $575,000, 80% paid by a Federal Transportation Grant. The Bridge is used by hikers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Since it has opened, photographers, artists and area school groups flock to the bridge to make permanent record of its beauty. The picturesque 72 flower boxes, 32 hanging baskets, 14 border column baskets, and Cottage Gardens are planted and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. The Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge is a Not-for Profit, Tax Exempt Organization, Section 501(c)(3) IRS Code. The Bridge makes a beautiful backdrop for special occasion photos-weddings, proms or parties. There is no charge for a photo session, but we ask that people make a tax exempt donation to the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge fund. There is a donation box at the Bridge; cash or check may be placed in the box. Every donation is greatly appreciated. To reserve The Bridge for a wedding or another special event, please contact the Simsbury Culture, Parks and Recreation department at 860-658-3836.

First signs of spring at the Flower Bridge, our River of Daffodils, stop down for a little sunshine ☀️☀️☀️!
04/18/2026

First signs of spring at the Flower Bridge, our River of Daffodils, stop down for a little sunshine ☀️☀️☀️!

Signs of spring at the Bridge! Our volunteers worked hard today as we removed the winter greens and old soil from the bo...
03/24/2026

Signs of spring at the Bridge! Our volunteers worked hard today as we removed the winter greens and old soil from the boxes. We’re excited for the season ahead as we are preparing for a beautiful and vibrant display of flowers.

The holiday season is just as inviting as our summer season. Our volunteers have decorated all the boxes with natural gr...
11/18/2025

The holiday season is just as inviting as our summer season. Our volunteers have decorated all the boxes with natural greens, berries, and dried flowers, so bundle up and come down for a festive stroll. It’s not quite done yet, next week, the entry will be lit for the final touch.

Come down to the bridge and say hello to two of our volunteers, DRAKE and HILL-da! They’re still working hard to keep th...
09/19/2025

Come down to the bridge and say hello to two of our volunteers, DRAKE and HILL-da! They’re still working hard to keep the flowers growing a little longer.

Oh what a night!🎶🎼🎶🍔🍔🍔 Thank you to all who attended our fundraiser last night. We love seeing you all on our beautiful...
09/11/2025

Oh what a night!🎶🎼🎶🍔🍔🍔 Thank you to all who attended our fundraiser last night. We love seeing you all on our beautiful bridge! You helped us raise money to help us get back on our feet after the restoration of the bridge. Our flowers still look lovely, enjoy the rest of the season. Thank you to all our volunteers for making this night possible.

08/08/2025
Our Little Library is back!! Thank you to Mark Deming for building and installing it!
08/03/2025

Our Little Library is back!! Thank you to Mark Deming for building and installing it!

The volunteers at the Flower Bridge are working hard to make it beautiful and bountiful. It’s freshly painted and a spe...
07/26/2025

The volunteers at the Flower Bridge are working hard to make it beautiful and bountiful. It’s freshly painted and a special destination for a peaceful walk. Kindly consider leaving a donation in the box at the entrance as we have incurred many startup costs this season. We have installed a new irrigation system which is promoting lush growth of the flowers. We hope to get the Bridge relit this season as it looks lovely at night. These expenses are paid for by your donations and we appreciate your generosity. If you wish, you can also send a check to:
ODHFB
PO Box 314
West Simsbury, CT 06092
THANK YOU!💐🌸💕🌺🌷

Have you noticed that the little library at the Bridge is missing? Hopefully, not for long as a new one is being built....
07/26/2025

Have you noticed that the little library at the Bridge is missing? Hopefully, not for long as a new one is being built. Look for it soon and feel free to Take a Book, and Leave a Book! 📚

Take a peek at this video showing our volunteers working their magic on the Flower Bridge . It takes a team each and eve...
07/26/2025

Take a peek at this video showing our volunteers working their magic on the Flower Bridge . It takes a team each and everyday to deadhead the flowers. If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the Bridge, get there soon to experience the beauty and serenity of our iconic landmark.

Thursday night at the Bridge!
07/22/2025

Thursday night at the Bridge!

Popular jazz/swing band The Swing Syndicate returns to the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge for a free concert this Thursday night!

Simsbury Culture, Parks & Recreation Department

Address

1 Old Bridge Road
Simsbury, CT
06070

Telephone

(860) 658-3836

Website

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