Things To Do

Spend An Enlightening Afternoon On The Ohio

A simple outing to enjoy with friends or visiting relatives or guests.

This fall, don your walking shoes, head to Jeffersonville, and experience the thrill of looking down on the Ohio River flowing under the historic Big Four Bridge. Lunch places abound in the area, so whatever appetite you work up you will find satisfactory sustenance.

The Big Four Bridge stretches over the Ohio River, connecting Jeffersonville, Ind. to Louisville.

To walk across the Big Four Bridge is to have an entirely new experience with the Ohio River than you might have ever expected. On a recent afternoon, our photographer and I found ourselves exploring the old railroad bridge that stretches from Jeffersonville to Waterfront Park in Louisville. Strolling under its truss canopy was like walking under a wide lace ribbon. The railroad bridge was constructed in 1895 and now is accessed by a gently sloping ramp that was created when it became a pedestrian bridge in 2013. Along your walk, recounted on three information boards, you can read the history and happenings of the bridge from design to construction to today. A part of Louisville and Indiana lore that you might not be aware of.

Be forewarned: There are no dogs or other pets, skateboards, motorized vehicles (except mobility devices) allowed. Just people and friendly pigeons!

Although we had a variety of cuisines to enjoy for lunch — pizza, chicken, pub fare — we walked into Ramiro’s Cantina Express. It’s one of those friendly familyrun places with grandmother helping to serve from the build-your-own burritos/ tacos/nachos menu. After lunch, be sure to duck into the quiet, walled garden close by for a refreshing breather and moment of peace. If you have room for dessert, you could also stroll up a block to Schimpff’s Confectionery (347 Spring Street) which opened in 1891 (just four years before the railroad bridge) and offers every sort of candy and sweet treat imaginable.

Rain or shine, strolling the bridge and exploring what this part of Jeffersonville has to offer is a worthy afternoon adventure.

Big Four Bridge Big Four Station

Market and Mulberry Streets | Jeffersonville, Indiana

Ramiro’s Cantina Express

253 Spring Street | Jeffersonville, Indiana

By Lucy M. Pritchett | Photos by Melissa Donald

Fall 2022 / TodaysTransitions.com