# Wheeling Suspension Bridge

> The Wheeling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River was completed in 1849 to designs by Charles Ellet Jr.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/wheeling-suspension-bridge/

A nineteenth-century suspension bridge over the Ohio River, still open to light local traffic and a good place for photos of the span. Walk across toward Wheeling Island and look back at downtown.

The Wheeling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River was completed in 1849 to designs by Charles Ellet Jr. and was the longest suspension bridge in the world until 1851. The main span is 308 meters (1,010 feet). In 1854 a storm destroyed the bridge deck, and the bridge was rebuilt; in 1956 the roadway was widened from 4.95 to 6.1 meters (16.25 to 20 feet). It has been a National Historic Landmark since May 15, 1975, and is considered the oldest vehicular suspension bridge in the United States still in use.

It is no longer meant for cars: it has been closed to vehicles since 2019, and in February 2026 the West Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed that it is not to carry vehicle traffic again (as of October 2026). You can still cross on foot. Walk over to Wheeling Island and look back at the skyline; the round trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

- **Nearest town:** Wheeling, WV
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 40.0711, -80.7324

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Wheeling Suspension Bridge (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheeling_Suspension_Bridge)
- [Wheeling Suspension Bridge closed to vehicular traffic (WV Department of Transportation)](https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/Wheeling-Suspension-Bridge-closed-to-vehicular-traffic-after-continued-public-disregard-of-safety-signs.aspx)
- [State DOH updates City of Wheeling on future of Suspension Bridge (MetroNews)](https://wvmetronews.com/2026/02/04/state-doh-updates-city-of-wheeling-on-future-of-suspension-bridge/)

## Nearby

- [Duquesne Incline](https://camping-spirit.com/places/duquesne-incline-pittsburgh/) – 45 mi
- [Zoar Village State Memorial](https://camping-spirit.com/places/zoar-village/) – 52 mi
- [World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-cuckoo-clock/) – 56 mi
- [Coopers Rock State Forest Overlook](https://camping-spirit.com/places/coopers-rock-overlook/) – 58 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Wheeling Suspension Bridge?

Wheeling Suspension Bridge is in Wheeling, WV, at GPS 40.0711, -80.7324. It is about 46 mi from Pittsburgh.

### Can you camp near Wheeling Suspension Bridge?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Four Seasons Resort, about 15 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Wheeling Suspension Bridge?

Places worth a stop nearby: Duquesne Incline (45 mi), Zoar Village State Memorial (52 mi), World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock (56 mi) and Coopers Rock State Forest Overlook (58 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Wheeling Suspension Bridge?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)