Merriam Street Bridge

The Merriam Street Bridge is a truss bridge that spans the east channel of the Mississippi River, connecting Nicollet Island to the opposite bank in Minneapolis. The structure features a metal framework with decorative cresting and ornamental details along its top.

The bridge was built in 1887 by the King Iron Bridge Company as one of four spans of the Broadway Avenue Bridge. It was relocated and reconstructed at Nicollet Island in 1987 during a preservation effort.

The bridge incorporates traditional engineering elements with ornamental features, including finials, cresting atop the portal bracing, and decorative bridge plates.

The bridge is easily accessible and provides a direct route between the island and the bank for both pedestrians and vehicles. The structure was designed to allow river vessels to pass underneath without obstruction.

What makes this bridge distinctive is that the visible metal framework is purely decorative, while an underlying beam structure provides the actual support. This design approach allows the historic appearance to be preserved with modern engineering underneath.

Location: Nicollet Island/East Bank

Official opening: 1887

GPS coordinates: 44.98590,-93.25940

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:03