New bridge to expand access to Blind Lake near Gregory

by Bruce Brown

Thanks to Chuck Dennison, park manager for nearby Pinckney Recreation Area, boaters entering Blind Lake from Half Moon Lake will soon be traveling under a new bridge.

Blind Lake is five miles southeast of Gregory. It is one of the many lakes near Stockbridge and is within the Stockbridge School District. Blind Lake is on a unique chain of lakes that includes Half Moon, Bruin, Patterson, Blind, Watson, Round, Woodburn, and Highland Lake.

Pleasure boaters often choose Blind Lake as a destination. They come for its clear water and long stretch of sandy shore. On any given summer day, the north shore of Blind Lake is lined with splashing swimmers and sun lovers relaxing in watercraft.

To enter Blind Lake, boaters can navigate a channel from the west end of Half Moon Lake. For years these boaters had to squeeze—very cautiously—under a scenic but very old wooden bridge. The original bridge is thought to date from the early 1900s.

Mark Brooks, a lifelong resident of Blind Lake recalled, “The bridge was there when my parents were kids. It was probably built sometime around 1918. It has seen many repair and restoration efforts over the years.”

Bordered by large areas of accessible state land, Blind Lake and the chain of lakes are frequented by people who like the outdoors. Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers on the glacial ridges of the Potawatomi Trail welcome the lake views. The chain is also popular for fishing and boating. Kayakers and canoers frequent the lakes looking for a peaceful paddle.

State park campgrounds are located on Bruin, Half Moon, and Blind Lake. Campers have choices ranging from large “pull through” RV sites to primitive tent camping sites you reach by backpacking.

Planning to replace the Blind Lake Bridge began in 2019. Preparations for construction started more than a year ago with clearing the road easement and staging materials and equipment. Actual construction has been ongoing since early last fall, with workers persevering on site even during the coldest January weather.

The bridge is being built by Miller LS Bridge Construction of Portland, Michigan. Park manager Dennison cites bridge design as a collaborative effort. The bridge elevation will increase from 3.7 feet above the water to 4.7 feet. The channel under the bridge will be widened from 12 feet to 20 feet. The cost of this recreational infrastructure project is projected to be $940,500.

Target completion of the bridge work is planned for as early as possible this summer to accommodate boat traffic. Construction is proceeding steadily while respecting the unique geology and sensitive ecology of the wetland area between Half Moon and Blind Lake. Look for an update and photograph to be provided when the new bridge is in place.

The 100-plus year old bridge spanning the channel from Half Moon Lake to Blind Lake is being replaced and should be completed in early summer. Photo credit: Bruce Brown