This suspension footbridge over the Black River was built in 1905 using cables provided by Michigan Sugar Company. It was constructed to provide convenient access to the popular River Bend Park from the east and as a more direct route for workers to reach their jobs at the sawmill and sugar factory east of the river. Initially, the bridge consisted simply of two cables with boards attached. Two additional cables and fencing were added later to provide handrails and stabilize the bridge, significantly upgrading safety, although the name "Swinging Bridge" is still descriptive. For many years, a sign at the west entrance to the bridge admonished, "Love Ye One Another;" similarly, a sign at the east entrance reads, "Be Good To Your Mother-in-Law." It has the distinction of being the longest suspension footbridge in Michigan.