How to Visit the London Bridge in Arizona
In the early 1960s the founder of McCulloch Chain Saws decided to move his factory and company to a remote desert area along the Colorado River known as Lake Havasu. The man-made lake, formed by the Parker Dam, offered unlimited resort opportunities: a Palm Desert with water. To entice visitors to the new bustling city, the actual London Bridge in England was purchased, dismantled, shipped and reassembled on the desert sand. Once completed the lake water was diverted beneath the bridge, thus forming a man-made island that now serves as a state park and a golf course. The purchase paid off. Visitors can now shop or dine in the English Village, stroll by an English taxi or double-decker bus, and paddle boats below the arches. A vision accomplished, the arrival of the London Bridge has evolved into a multitude of area activities, from water sports to rock climbing to hot air balloons rides.
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Instructions
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The London Bridge in Arizona
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Plan to visit in the autumn or winter. The weather is usually comfortable. Many other visitors arrive during these seasons as well, thereby avoiding the blistering heat of summer and the extreme decadence of Spring Break.
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Check the official website for annual events around the bridge. London Bridge Days are usually toward the end of October. The city plans annual pageants, regattas and a Festival of Lights in December.
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Make hotel reservations early. Lake Havasu is a relatively small town and during special events, hotel rooms can go quickly. With the exception of Parker, there are no other towns nearby.
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Plan early and reserve a hot air balloon ride. Note that no rides are given during the summer.
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Fly into Phoenix International Airport, 200 miles southeast, and access Interstate 10 west toward Los Angeles. At Quartzite, Exit 18, turn north onto State Highway 95, and continue toward Lake Havasu City. Once in town, the highway crosses North McCulloch Boulevard, which crosses the bridge. Follow directional signs and park accordingly.
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Visit the English Village adjacent to the bridge on the northern shore. There are several shops offering everything from souvenirs to high-end merchandise. Dine on British fare at the restaurants.
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Visit the museum and see how a bridge in London was successfully transported and rebuilt in the Arizona desert.
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Buy tickets for the paddle boats and steer between the arches beneath the bridge.
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Buy tickets for any of the several boat tour options departing from the bridge area. River boat, jet boat and kayak tours of the lake are available. A sunset cruise is offered, and there’s even a day cruise through the canyons to Laughlin, Nevada, for a day of gambling. Houseboat and ski boats are available for rent.
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Make reservations to golf at Havasu Island Golf Course, which is accessible only by crossing the bridge.
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