The Purple People Bridge Climb

Are you an outdoors explorer looking for an uncommon summer adventure? Do you think you can only get a bridge-climbing experience by taking the long journey down under? Well, you don't have to pack your bags and fly to Australia to participate in a bridge climb. Just jump in your car and head on over to... Kentucky?

That's right, Newport, Kentucky to be exact. That is where you can take part in the only bridge climb in existence in the northern hemisphere.

The bridge, its real name the Newport Southbank Bridge, has been open to pedestrian traffic only since 2003. The nickname, The Purple People Bridge, comes from the bridge's pastel purple color, chosen by popular vote.

The bridge spans 2,670 feet across the Ohio River between Cincinnati, OH and Newport, KY, offering views of both cities' skylines from the middle of the river. While anyone can walk across the longest state-linking pedestrian bridge in the United States for free, a reasonably priced ticket can get you a trip across the top for an unobstructed view of the gorgeous Cincinnati skyline, and an experience like no other.

At one hundred and forty feet above river level at its highest point, it is less than a third of the height of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge climb in Australia, but since it is the only bridge climb available for thousands of miles, it is a great place to get started on your climbing adventures. Not only will it give you thebridge-climbing experience you are looking for, it will also give you time to save up for that plane ticket to Australia.

The Purple People Bridge is open for one and a half hour climbs daily throughout June and July and the first half of August, with limited dates in April and May and September through November. The prices for a climb are $29.95 for adults and $25.95 for children ages twelve and up who are over 48" tall. For $59.95, an annual pass is available that gives you unlimited climb access any day throughout the operating year.

If you are looking for a unique experience, take part in a theme climb. Theme climbs take place throughout the season, and come complete with special costuming and extra-informative tour guides. Take part in the 1920s era mafia with a Mafia Mayhem climb, or celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day with a special climb on September 19th.

When you finally get down, don't forget to grab your complimentary group photo from atop the bridge.