From the 1914 Cottonwood River Bridge (NRHP) you have a lovely view of the river and dam. In 1860, a drought year, cottonwood logs were used to form a dam that was needed to create water power for the grist mill. Later, a more solid dam was built with native limestone but eventually it was covered with concrete. The bridge is the trailhead for the 1 1/2-mile sidewalk trail that connects Cottonwood Falls and Strong City.