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National Park & Nature

Stone Arch Bridge

📍 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3.5/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Minneapolis
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
1 hour
Address
100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Coordinates
44.9800, -93.2570

Introduction

The Stone Arch Bridge spans the Mississippi River branch near Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis, an outstanding example of late 19th-century industrial revolution railway bridge construction. Built in 1883 of red brick and granite with 23 stone arches and about 640 meters long, it was once the lifeline of rail and freight connecting both banks of Minneapolis. Today the railway has ceased and the bridge has been converted into a pedestrian and bicycle greenway, becoming the city's finest riverfront viewing platform. From the bridge you overlook Saint Anthony Falls, the hydraulic waterfall complex that was the founding source of Minneapolis, and view skyscrapers on both banks and the historic flour mills converted into museums. Lit up at night, it is a classic spot for skyline photography and riverside strolls.

✨ Highlights

1
23-Arch Stone Marvel
An 1883 red brick and granite bridge with 23 stone arches, 640m long, an industrial heritage masterpiece
2
Mississippi River View
Converted into a pedestrian and bicycle greenway, the city's finest riverfront viewing platform
3
Saint Anthony Falls
Overlook the hydraulic waterfall complex that was the founding source of Minneapolis
4
Historic Flour Mills
View skyscrapers on both banks and the Mill City Museum converted from historic flour mills
5
Night View Favorite
Lit up at night, a classic spot for skyline photography and riverside strolls
6
River Park Link
Connects east and west bank park systems for hiking or biking between multiple attractions

🛈 Practical Info

→Transport：Walkable from downtown Minneapolis; or take light rail to Nicollet Mall station
→Best Time to Visit：Sunset and night lighting are best; autumn foliage adds color to the banks
→Recommended Duration：30 minutes on the bridge; 2-3 hours combined with riverbank parks
→Notes：Bicycles and pedestrians have separate lanes; watch for cyclists
→Opening Hours：Bridge open 24/7; free for pedestrians and cyclists
→Ticket Information：Free, no ticket required

💡 Tips

• The mid-bridge west-facing point is best for Mississippi River and skyline photography
• The west end connects to Mill City Museum, telling the century-old flour industry story
• The bridge is a node on the Grand Rounds greenway, linking a 100km city loop
• East of the bridge, a Saint Anthony Falls viewpoint offers close-up hydraulic power views
• Minneapolis winters are extremely cold; bridge winds require face masks and thick gloves

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Stone Arch Bridge?

Bridge open 24/7; free for pedestrians and cyclists

How much is the admission for Stone Arch Bridge?

Free, no ticket required

Any practical tips for visiting Stone Arch Bridge?

The mid-bridge west-facing point is best for Mississippi River and skyline photography The west end connects to Mill City Museum, telling the century-old flour industry story

How long should I spend at Stone Arch Bridge?

A typical visit takes 1 hour.