mystic river bascule bridge

It has the best ice cream there in Mystic.It's right on the Bascule Bridge so you can sit by the river while eatong you ice cream

Must walk over it if in Mystic already!Positives - a real draw bridge with counterweight. Can watch the boats go by, reasonably restoredNegatives - opens once an hour in the summer. Holds up traffic.

This bridge is interesting as you can be up close and personal with it during its operation. The span is close to the water - you get to see both the ship passing through and the bridge itself from either end of the dozen. The cantilever action is cool on a structure this large - considering it was built in the 1920's it has lasted a long time. Worth a visit when in operation - note that there is no set schedule for it to open and close. I suggest having a meal at one of the excellent local restaurants with a view of the bridge so you have a good chance of seeing it in action.

During my visit and walk in Mystic, I was ecstatic to hear the bridge warning bell sound and ran out of the store I was in to observe the bridge in action. This is an old bridge and took 13 years to fix up and have it running up to par. The bells sound to alert all that the bridge will close for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The bridge arms come down one end at a time not allowing further traffic. There are two extremely large and very heavy cement blocks that are used as a counterbalance. It was a sight to see the bridge raise and then return. This is a fun attraction for kids as well as adults to see.

Fans of non-stationary bridges should come out to see the Dr. Seuss-ian design of this drawbridge. Come out in the summer when it operates on a regular cycle so you don't have to wait for a sailboat to come down the Mystic on it's way to the sound. However, one imagines it snarls traffic fiercely during the season. In short, modest in size but someone interesting.

I might not be so charmed with this bridge during the height of the summer season's crowded streets and waterways, but this working drawbridge in the middle of a bustling town and seaport is usually down when I need to use it, the summer schedule of openings is well-publicized, and so it is possible to drive around it if you are in a hurry. The bridge reminds us we don't always need to be in a hurry. Up close and in scale with the low shops that line the main street of Mystic, its ironwork is impressive.

A visit in mystic is unique by all means.There is a lot to do in the city and surroundings which I will write about in a different item.I do like to share the experience of being on this particular bridge in a the late afternoon.Standing on the bridge allows you to look at the Banks of the River. When the bridge is opens, it's nice to see the cars on both size of the commercial Street's waiting patiently sometimes for more than 15 minutes

A very old bridge that still operates as it did in the early 60's. Interesting area. On my last visit an aging artist retired airline pilot gave me a tour of his art work and the schooner the art was displayed in. Could happen no where else.

Use this bridge to either walk or drive into the town of Mystic. This bridge leads you up through the main where there are shops and the famous Mystic Pizza Restaurant. This is where the movie Mystic Pizza was shot with Julia Roberts. The pizza was very good. A lot of history in this area of town .

I understand that there is not another one like it. We saw it go up and it was extremely quiet. It also comes down very quietly. The draw bridge is not divided. The whole road goes up at an angle.

Mystic is a small but very charming city. You should take a walk around. The bridge is nice but not spectacular. It connects the wharf to the most commercial and busy area.

We drove over this bridge and sailed under it several times. This is NOT a drawbridge, but a bascule bridge, weighted at one end by tons of concrete. Automobile traffic stops when ships are ready to sail on the Mystic River, and almost everyone gets out of their cars to take pictures, So do the people on the water.

We loved crossing the drawbridge and going into the historic area of Mystic. Parking can be a challenge, but we got a hint that if you park BEFORE you get on the drawbridge, you can find parking spaces easier than across the bridge. It's a pretty walk across the bridge and into an area filled with cute shops, restaurants. Take the time to also go beyond the downtown area and ride around. You will see beautiful neighborhoods and the prettiest library we have ever seen. It's made of rust stone with green trim and not a typical looking place.

The bridge goes up 20 minutes before the hour during the season. It was actually fun to watch. Traffic does get screwed up so make sure you are where you are going! The town is quaint and cute.

Parking was a nightmare as town so busy but was well worth it to watch the bridge in action and to watch 2 large vessels pass through. Also a bonus if you buy a ice cream in the nearby parlour and sit on the balcony to watch, Clever piece of engineering