Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis (must see)
The Stone Arch Bridge is a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis. It is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River. It is the second oldest bridge on the river next to Eads Bridge.
The Stone Arch Bridge was built in 1883 by railroad tycoon James J. Hill for his Great Northern Railway, and accessed the former passenger station located about a mile to the west, on the west bank of the river. For a time, the bridge was dubbed "Hill's Folly" until the value of Hill's new bridge as a passenger rail link became evident.
The Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis is a former railroad bridge and the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River. The bridge was built between 1882 and 1883 to a design by Charles C Smith. It was commissioned by railroad tycoon James J. Hill with an aim to connect his Great Northern Railway system to the new Union Depot. For a time, the bridge was dubbed "Hill's Folly" until the value of Hill's new bridge as a passenger rail link became evident.
Hill originally intended to build an iron bridge spanning the Mississippi at Nicollet Island, but Smith discovered that pursuing that design would be detrimental to St Anthony Falls鈥� eroding sandstone. Smith's design was pioneering and the signature arches were designed to account for the falls and the surrounding topography. The stone used in construction was locally sourced, including granite from Sauk Rapids for the piers and magnesium limestone from Mankato and Iowa for the upper portion.
In the 130 years of its existence, the bridge has undergone a number of upgrades and repairs. In 1925 it was widened to make room for larger railcars. Ultimately, in 1994, it was converted to a pedestrian walkway.
The structure is now fully reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. In 1971, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District. The bridge was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1974. The bike and walking trails across the Stone Arch Bridge are integrated into the city's park and trail system, and form part of the St Anthony Falls Heritage Trail. The most recent renovations鈥攊ncluding indirect lighting鈥攚ere completed in late 2005.
During the summer months, the Stone Arch Bridge is a focus of numerous festivals. The Stone Arch Festival of the Arts occurs on Father's Day weekend and features many local artists. Fireworks displays on the Fourth of July and during the Minneapolis Aquatennial in late July also bring crowds. The bridge offers views of the Minneapolis skyline, Pillsbury "A" Mill, the Mill City Museum, and many other places in the district, and is near both the restaurants of Main St SE and the Guthrie Theater.
The Stone Arch Bridge was built in 1883 by railroad tycoon James J. Hill for his Great Northern Railway, and accessed the former passenger station located about a mile to the west, on the west bank of the river. For a time, the bridge was dubbed "Hill's Folly" until the value of Hill's new bridge as a passenger rail link became evident.
The Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis is a former railroad bridge and the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River. The bridge was built between 1882 and 1883 to a design by Charles C Smith. It was commissioned by railroad tycoon James J. Hill with an aim to connect his Great Northern Railway system to the new Union Depot. For a time, the bridge was dubbed "Hill's Folly" until the value of Hill's new bridge as a passenger rail link became evident.
Hill originally intended to build an iron bridge spanning the Mississippi at Nicollet Island, but Smith discovered that pursuing that design would be detrimental to St Anthony Falls鈥� eroding sandstone. Smith's design was pioneering and the signature arches were designed to account for the falls and the surrounding topography. The stone used in construction was locally sourced, including granite from Sauk Rapids for the piers and magnesium limestone from Mankato and Iowa for the upper portion.
In the 130 years of its existence, the bridge has undergone a number of upgrades and repairs. In 1925 it was widened to make room for larger railcars. Ultimately, in 1994, it was converted to a pedestrian walkway.
The structure is now fully reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. In 1971, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District. The bridge was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1974. The bike and walking trails across the Stone Arch Bridge are integrated into the city's park and trail system, and form part of the St Anthony Falls Heritage Trail. The most recent renovations鈥攊ncluding indirect lighting鈥攚ere completed in late 2005.
During the summer months, the Stone Arch Bridge is a focus of numerous festivals. The Stone Arch Festival of the Arts occurs on Father's Day weekend and features many local artists. Fireworks displays on the Fourth of July and during the Minneapolis Aquatennial in late July also bring crowds. The bridge offers views of the Minneapolis skyline, Pillsbury "A" Mill, the Mill City Museum, and many other places in the district, and is near both the restaurants of Main St SE and the Guthrie Theater.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Stone Arch Bridge on Map
Sight Name: Stone Arch Bridge
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Minneapolis, USA (See walking tours in Minneapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Create Your Own Walk in Minneapolis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Minneapolis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis Campus Walking Tour
Founded in 1851, seven years before Minnesota became a state, the University of Minnesota is one of the largest educational institutions in the United States. The university campus in the 鈥淭win Cities鈥� of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, spread along the bank of the Mississippi River, is a sprawling hub renowned for its rich academic environment and vibrant life.
One of the central gathering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
One of the central gathering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Historical Churches
The "City of Lakes鈥�, Minneapolis, doesn't pride itself solely on the lakes. In fact, you will be amazed by how many churches, cathedrals, and other places of worship are found throughout the city. These sacred structures have played a significant role in the development of Minneapolis and continue to serve as pillars of faith and community. Let's take a look at some of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Minneapolis Introduction Walking Tour
Minneapolis is a major city in Minnesota, straddling the Mississippi River. Together with neighboring Saint Paul, the state capital of Minnesota, it forms the metropolitan area collectively known as the "Twin Cities."
Before European settlement, the site of Minneapolis was inhabited by Dakota people. The settlement was founded along Saint Anthony Falls 鈥� the only natural waterfall... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Before European settlement, the site of Minneapolis was inhabited by Dakota people. The settlement was founded along Saint Anthony Falls 鈥� the only natural waterfall... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Saint Paul Introduction Walking Tour
Saint Paul is a fantastic example of a city that has grown through a diverse range of cultures. The location near the Mississippi River helped make what would later become the city a significant center of local trade. The Dakota Sioux tribe were among the earliest residents, and European settlement that included French-Canadian fur traders and Catholic missionaries occurred during the 1830s to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles