Stone Arch Bridge

Stone Arch Bridge is a former railway bridge near the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. It stretches for 2100 feet (640 meters) with 21 limestone arches and one additional steel truss section near the middle of the crossing.

James J. Hill commissioned this construction in 1883 to connect his Great Northern Railway with the planned Union Depot. Completion followed two years later and made the bridge the main freight route into the region.

The name refers to the 21 stone arches made from local limestone that cross the river and are popular with walkers and cyclists alike. On weekends many locals use the bridge as a vantage point to watch the sunset over the downtown skyline.

Pedestrians and cyclists can use the entire crossing even during preservation work on the St. Anthony Main side until spring 2025. Access to the center remains open so views of the waterfalls and the skyline stay available.

This crossing is the only fully stone arch bridge along the entire Mississippi River from source to mouth. The construction stayed in use as a railway bridge for over a century before being converted to a pedestrian and cycling path.

Location: Minneapolis

Official opening: 1883

Length: 640 m

Made from material: stone

Part of: Saint Anthony Falls

GPS coordinates: 44.98080,-93.25360

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26