Spanning the Mississippi, behold the majestic Stone Arch Bridge. It’s more than stone. It is a testament to Minneapolis’s history and ingenuity. This iconic structure stands as the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River.
Completed in 1883, the Stone Arch Bridge was the brainchild of James J. Hill. He was a railroad tycoon. Hill sought to connect his Great Northern Railway to the city’s bustling commerce. For a while, people called it “Hill’s Folly”. They doubted its worth. But soon, the bridge became a vital passenger rail link. It cemented Hill’s vision.
Originally, the Stone Arch Bridge connected the railway system to the new Union Depot. That depot was planned between Hennepin and Nicollet Avenues. The bridge cost $650,000. That is about $21.3 million today. The Stone Arch Bridge quickly became indispensable to Minneapolis’s growth.
The Stone Arch Bridge’s construction wasn’t without challenges. Col. Charles C. Smith was the head engineer. Smith had to account for the fragile sandstone near St. Anthony Falls. His innovative design featured twenty-one stone arch spans. They ranged from forty to one hundred feet. The bridge used local materials. Granite came from Sauk Rapids. Magnesium limestone came from Mankato and Iowa.
At its peak, the Stone Arch Bridge hosted 82 passenger trains a year. It played a crucial role. It helped make Minneapolis the world’s largest flour producer. The bridge brought wheat from the Red River valley and Canada. It went straight to the Minneapolis mills.
The Stone Arch Bridge is not just a pathway. It’s a historical marker. It reminds us of the city’s industrial past. The bridge’s design allowed two trains to pass side by side.
Over the years, the Stone Arch Bridge has seen changes. In 1965, floodwaters caused part of it to sag. Repairs were made. Piers were strengthened. Arches were reinforced. In 1978, the last passenger train crossed. The bridge was then unused for a time.
In 1994, the Stone Arch Bridge was reborn. It was converted into a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The transformation revitalized the riverfront. Today, it connects the east and west banks of the Mississippi. It links Mill Ruins Park and Father Hennepin Park. It forms part of the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail.
The Stone Arch Bridge offers stunning views. You can see the Minneapolis skyline, Pillsbury “A” Mill, and the Mill City Museum. It is near restaurants and the Guthrie Theater. During summer, the bridge is a hub for festivals. The Stone Arch Festival of the Arts occurs on Father’s Day weekend. Fireworks displays on the Fourth of July and during the Aquatennial light up the sky. The bridge offers a unique vantage point.
The Stone Arch Bridge stands as a testament to Minneapolis’s past. It is a symbol of its future. It reminds us of innovation, resilience, and community. Take a moment to appreciate this architectural marvel. Consider the stories it holds within its stones.