La Crosse Rail Bridge

The La Crosse Rail Bridge crosses the Mississippi River between Wisconsin and Minnesota with steel framework structures that form a traditional truss design. The construction includes a movable middle section that rotates to the side to allow river vessels to pass through.

Built originally in 1876 by the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway, the structure was replaced in 1902 with a new construction that continues to function today. This replacement allowed more efficient train crossings between the two states.

The bridge shapes the landscape between Wisconsin and Minnesota, showing how rail transport helped develop this border region. For train passengers and observers on the riverbank, it stands as a visible reminder of how industry reshaped these communities.

The best way to view this bridge is from the riverbanks or public viewpoints in La Crosse and La Crescent. Access directly onto the bridge structure is not available to pedestrians, but you can watch the rotating middle section from the riverbanks.

The rotating middle section moves several times per hour since river vessels have priority over train traffic. This mode of operation shows the constant negotiation between two different transportation types at this special location.

Location: Wisconsin

Location: Minnesota

Official opening: 1876

GPS coordinates: 43.83240,-91.25890

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02