Stone Arch Bridge
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The Great Northern Railroad crossed the Mississippi River on the Stone Arch Bridge near the Saint Anthony Falls (the only waterfall on the Mississippi) in Minneapolis. The bridge was built in 1883 by railroad tycoon James J. Hill. It ceased to be used as a railroad bridge in 1978, and after a period of disuse, was later converted in the early 1990s to a pedestrian/bicycle bridge, and is integrated into the city's park and trail system. It is a National Historic Engineering Landmark.
When it was in rail service, the bridge carried the Great Northern Railroad's Empire Builder trains. That rail route is the only one to still serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, although the only station is in St. Paul, about halfway between the downtown areas of the two cities.
During the summer months, the Stone Arch Bridge hosts numerous festivals in the area of St. Anthony Main and Historic Main Street. One of these festivals, Stone Arch Festival of the Arts, a show featuring many local artists is on display every Father's Day Weekend. The bridge, from which you can see the Minneapolis skyline, Pillsbury A-Mill and many other places in the district. The few historic and not so historic restaurants in the area include Pracna on Main Historic Dining Saloon, Tuggs Tavern, Aster Cafe and VIC'S Dining. A very worthwhile investment of your time!
External links
- Stone Arch Bridge (http://www.nps.gov/miss/maps/model/sabridge.html)
- Stone Arch Bridge (http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/about/stonearch.asp)
- Stone Arch Bridge (http://www.minnesotabound.com/visit/StoneArchBridge)
- Photograph (http://www.mnhs.org/places/nationalregister/bridges/csab1.html)
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