Arizona Paths - 10 Unique Facts About London Bridge in Lake Havasu

The Fascinating Story of Lake Havasu's London Bridge Tucked away in the Sonoran Desert, a reservoir turned lakeside retreat boasts an unlikely treasure – London Bridge.

The Fascinating Story of Lake Havasu's London Bridge

Deer in the Woods — A deer gracefully moves through a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees and lush green undergrowth. The scene captures the serene beauty of a woodland environment.

Tucked away in the Sonoran Desert, a reservoir turned lakeside retreat boasts an unlikely treasure – London Bridge. This iconic piece of British history has been transported across the Atlantic to Arizona, where it now sits proudly at the entrance of Lake Havasu City.

Sunset at Lake Havasu, Peoria — A serene sunset casts a warm glow over Lake Havasu, with distant mountains silhouetted against the vibrant sky. A lone boat glides across the calm waters, reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun.

The True Story Behind London Bridge's Transatlantic Move

Pine Forest Panorama with Scenic Road — A sweeping view of a dense pine forest with a winding road cutting through the landscape, under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The terrain is rolling and covered in greenery, suggesting a peaceful and scenic drive.

London Bridge was originally built in 1831 and stood for over 100 years as a vital transportation hub between the bustling cities of London and Southwark. However, as the city expanded and new bridges were constructed, this medieval bridge became redundant and was eventually sold to an American oil tycoon named Robert P. McCulloch.

Why Arizona? The Decision Behind Its Transatlantic Journey

McCulloch had a vision to create a unique tourist attraction in his desert town of Lake Havasu City. He purchased the 3,500-ton bridge for $2.4 million and, after deconstructing it into manageable sections, transported it over 8,000 miles across the ocean to its new home.

Key Facts About London Bridge in Lake Havasu

The bridge is made of limestone and granite blocks, weighing a total of approximately 10,350 tons.
Its original construction began in 1176 and took nearly 20 years to complete.
The bridge spans 1,016 feet (309 meters) across the lake, connecting the cities of Lake Havasu City and Riviera.
In 1971, London Bridge was reassembled at its current location using over 1.4 million pounds of steel reinforcement.

What to Expect When Visiting London Bridge in Lake Havasu

Visitors can explore the bridge's surrounding shops, restaurants, and attractions or take a leisurely stroll across the iconic span. Here are some practical tips for your visit:

Getting There: Drive along AZ-95 and follow signs leading to Lake Havasu City.
Best Time to Visit: Visit during early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are milder (60s–70s°F/15°C–21°C).
Things to Do:

* Take a guided tour of the bridge's history and construction * Enjoy water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, on the lake * Visit the surrounding shops and restaurants for unique souvenirs and dining experiences

Practical Info

To plan your visit to London Bridge in Lake Havasu:

Check with the Lake Havasu City Visitor Center for up-to-date information on bridge hours and attractions.
The bridge is open 24/7, but some surrounding shops and restaurants may have limited operating hours.

The story of London Bridge's transatlantic move from a medieval relic in London to its current home in Arizona's Sonoran Desert is truly one of the most fascinating tales of engineering and cultural exchange.