This 100-Year-Old Bridge In Minnesota Offers Some Of The Best Views Of The Mississippi River

We love that Minnesota is full of history. It’s in everything from our state parks to our rock formations to some of our most beautiful buildings. In much of Minnesota's history, you can find that it extends a century or more back in time. That’s certainly the case for one special bridge that has been standing in Inver Grove Heights for more than a century. Though it has a long history, it stands today as a pedestrian bridge that happens to be one of the best spots to see the Mississippi River. Read on to learn more about the Rock Island Swing Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Minnesota.

The Rock Island Swing Bridge is a beautiful - and historic - spot in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. It's part of the lovely Swing Bridge Park.

Built in 1894, the bridge is more than 100 years old. At the time, it was one of the only double-decker bridges over the Mississippi River!

The bridge's original use was to carry railroad traffic across the river on the top deck. The bottom deck carried road traffic.

After nearly 100 years, the bridge closed to rail traffic. The year was 1980, and the railroad that had owned the bridge went bankrupt.

Years later, in 1999, the bridge closed to rail traffic as well. Another blow to the bridge occurred 10 years later when part of it was demolished.

But in just a few years, that would all change. In 2011, the bridge opened to pedestrian traffic!

It is now one of the most beautiful Mississippi River overlooks. You can walk, bike, or skate across it.

Next time you're in the area, make sure to stop at this historic bridge. Not only is it full of history, but it offers spectacular views.

Have you heard of the Rock Island Swinging Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Minnesota? Would you ever visit? For a different perspective of the river, check out this Twin Cities Tour & Mississippi River Cruise from Bloomington. It’s a great way to spend the rest of your day in the area.

Also, to witness a newer - but still beautiful - bridge excursion, check out this hike across the tallest bridge in Minnesota.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/minnesota/trail-crossing-highest-bridge-mn/