Minnesota
Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The Longest Covered Bridge In Minnesota, Holdingford Bridge, Is 186 Feet Long

The Holdingford Covered Bridge in Minnesota is a charming, historic bridge on the Lake Wobegon Trail, known for its scenic views and enchanting atmosphere.

Updated Oct 20, 2022

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

Here in Minnesota, there are many charming and beautiful bridges. The Stone Arch Bridge is a piece of Minneapolis history with amazing views of the city. The Virginia High Bridge is the tallest bridge in the state. And in Holdingford, the longest covered bridge stretches 186 feet along the Lake Wobegon Trail. But you don't have to travel the whole trail to visit one of the only covered bridges in Minnesota. Simply head to the trailhead, and you'll soon discover this Lake Wobegon trail covered bridge for yourself. Until then, read on for everything you need to know about the Holdingford Covered Bridge in Minnesota.

To find the Holdingford Bridge in Minnesota, travel to the small town of Holdingford. It's about 90 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

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Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr

The bridge - often called the Lake Wobegon Covered Bridge - is part of the Lake Wobegon Trail, which runs through central Minnesota. More specifically, the bridge is part of a 13-mile extension of the trail that runs from Albany to Onamia.

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minimate masterworks/Google

There is a trailhead near the bridge, so you don't have to hike or bike the entire path to see it. Signs throughout the town make it easy to find. And when you do find it, you'll be absolutely delighted by the bright red historic bridge.

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Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr

Though it looks old, the bridge was built in 2008 by the Holdingford Lions Club. Easily one of the most enchanting places in Minnesota, it is always fun to walk or bike through.

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Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr

The bridge's many windows offer a nice look at the stream below. In summer months, it is quite beautiful. And because there is no vehicle traffic through the bridge, you're free to stay and enjoy the view with no hurry!

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Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr

All in all, this 186-foot-long covered bridge is a charming piece of small-town Minnesota. Next time you're in the area, be sure to pay a visit to the Holdingford Bridge in Minnesota!

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Tom/Google

So, have you ever visited the Holdingford Covered Bridge in Minnesota? If so, what did you think? Know of any other enchanting places in Minnesota? Tell us!

Can't get enough of covered bridges in Minnesota? Make sure to visit our article about Minnesota's oldest covered bridge.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

This 30-Mile Train Ride Is The Most Relaxing Way To Enjoy Minnesota Scenery

The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers a picturesque 30-mile train ride from Duluth to Two Harbors, showcasing stunning views of Minnesota's North Shore.

Updated Jul 24, 2024

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

The Land of 10,000 Lakes certainly isn't short on beautiful sights. Fortunately, here in Minnesota, there are more than a few excellent scenic train rides that will delight anyone who loves unique outings and admiring our state's coolest spots while traveling in vintage comfort and style. One of the best is a beautiful scenic train ride on the North Shore, starting in Duluth. The Two Harbors Turn on the North Shore Scenic Railroad is a 30-mile excursion that is the most relaxing way to see jaw-dropping waterfront scenery, hands down. Take a look and tell us this scenic train ride in Minnesota isn't just a dream come true.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad is a popular attraction on Minnesota's North Shore.

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Management/TripAdvisor

The train leaves from the depot on Duluth, embarking on a 30-mile journey north to Two Harbors.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

On this Duluth train ride to Two Harbors, travelers enjoy beautiful views of the North Shore. Lake Superior's choppy waters are on display from the windows of the historic train.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

On the western side of the train, there are views of smaller rivers along the North Shore.

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Lori M/TripAdvisor

The North Shore's wooded surroundings are also beautiful. It’s beautiful in spring and summer, but fall is particularly awe-inspiring along this railway.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

North Shore Scenic train rides include a two-hour layover in Two Harbors, where you can browse or dine to your heart's content.

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This easily-walkable town is full of charming shops and restaurants. You're sure to find something amazing.

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It's also home to a beautiful historic lighthouse.

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Needless to say, there's a lot to do in Two Harbors! It's a great stop for a wonderful journey.

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

Scenic trips typically start at 10 a.m. on weekends in Duluth and return around 4 or 5 p.m. Though it is long, this trip is popular and tickets sell out fast - especially in fall - so be sure to book your trip well in advance!

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North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook

You can preview your trip to and from Two Harbors in this YouTube video from North Shore Scenic Railroad:

The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Minnesota is just one of many scenic train ride options across the state, but this little slice of MN is definitely one of our favorite places, and perfect for enjoying via train! What are your favorite things to see and do in Duluth?

Ready for a seriously gorgeous outing? Check out the latest schedule and start planning your next adventure! While you're at it, make the most of your Duluth adventure with an overnight stay in Canal Park.

Have you ever taken a scenic train ride on the North Shore? What about elsewhere in Minnesota? Tell us about your adventures in the comments; we love hearing from you!

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

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

The Rock Island Swing Bridge in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, is a historic pedestrian bridge offering spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

Updated Jun 6, 2024

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

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.

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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.

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Dmitrij Ponkin/Google

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!

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Dan Thompson/Google

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

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Erin Schulte/Google

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

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Patrick Cretan/Google

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.

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Rock Island Swing Bridge/Google

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

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Krista Linn/Google

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

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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.

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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/

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