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Since living in Cleveland, I always wanted to see the "Guardians" up close. Back then they were so black from the steel mills below that most residence did not even notice that they were there. 39 years after moving to California, I put it on my list of place to visit on vacation. Parked on W.10th St on the North West side of the bridge for free. There is a grassy area here where you can have a picnic after your 2+ mile walk. Most people think that the Hope Memorial Bridge is named in honor of Bob Hope who was a Cleveland resident. But no, It was named after his father William Henry "Harry" Hope, a local stonemason who helped build the "Guardians of Traffic" sculptures. The panoramic views of the downtown area and Flats are spectacular as are the close-up views of the 8 "Guardians of Traffic" that are built on to the bridge deck. It's hard to believe that county engineer Albert S. Porter threatened to remove the historic pylons to widen the span, stating, "Those columns are monstrosities and should be torn down and forgotten. There is nothing particularly historic about any one of them. We're not running a May Show here." I remember when there were steel mills in the now vacant spaces you can see when looking over the edge. Look at all the terrific places you now will want to see up close as you walk the bridge. When you get to Progressive Field at the East end of the bridge, cross the street and take a tour of the Western Reserve Fire Museum, then continue your walk back across the bridge on the South side to see some of the industrial sections of the Flats and the rest of the "Guardians". The walkway is not as wide or protected on this side, so be careful when trying to capture the "right shot". Take note how the coal in the truck is painted black. After walking the bridge you could visit another landmark, the West Side Market. Mostly this is the same as in the '70's when I would shop there. The whole area around the market has changed into a trendy bar restaurant area in which I have no interest, but others must. You can spend the whole day in just this area of Cleveland.…
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Date of experience: August 2019
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You must walk this bridge and actually look at the above columns. They each have a didn't design that represents transportation. Part of Cleveland history.
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Date of experience: May 2018
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We crossed this bridge by foot to get from the West Side Market to downtown completely unaware that these huge, awesome Art Deco statues adorned each end of the bridge. What a fun surprise for our walk, which was about a mile and ended at Progressive Field. Great place for a walk as it is protected from traffic by a barrier.…
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Date of experience: August 2018
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I felt like I was in the movie scene from Never Ending Story. This bridge is just glorious. It is one of the most beautiful bridges I've ever seen. The view from here is also breathtaking. You will not be disappointed.
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Date of experience: May 2018
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is one of those landmarks if you are touring through the city is worth driving over the bridge for the view of downtown and the pillars/statues that greet you at either end
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Date of experience: March 2018
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