From 1970 to 1997, the Zumbrota Covered Bridge was the centerpiece of Covered Bridge Park for 27 years. In 1970, the first annual Chicken Barbecue, sponsored by local businesses, was held on the bridge, and its proceeds helped fund a new swimming pool in the park. In 1972, the bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and became a magnet for historians trying to capture an important era in history. Throughout those years, family and class reunions, Community Band concerts, worship services, Scout troop meetings, and many other community events were held on or near the bridge, which was also a favorite site for wedding and graduation photos. In 1997, Minowa Construction of Harmony, Minnesota, was employed to repair and move the bridge back to the Zumbro River at a total project cost of $200,000.