Rock Island Swing Bridge

Imagine a walk over the mighty waters of the Mississippi on a path that once served as a vital transport artery. Minneapolis and its surroundings hide a remarkable place — the Rock Island Swing Bridge. This is not just an engineering structure, but a fragment of late 19th-century USA history transformed into a modern pedestrian pier.

Originally erected in 1895, this bridge was a rare example of double-deck construction: trains moved on the upper level, while wagons and cars moved on the lower one. Today, the preserved 204-meter section of the bridge serves as a magnificent observation deck, offering panoramic views of the river and passing barges. The site is considered an iconic landmark of Inver Grove Heights and attracts travelers with its unique atmosphere of an industrial past.

The bridge takes on a special charm in the evening. In 2025, it was equipped with a grand system of 28,000 LED lights capable of changing color and creating impressive light shows. This has transformed the historical monument into one of the most romantic and photogenic spots in the state of Minnesota.

If you are planning a visit to this historic site, it is helpful to check the contact information in advance. Official maintenance of the area is handled by the City of Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation Department.

The main reason to visit the Rock Island Swing Bridge is the breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Walking along the 200-meter pier, you can literally feel the scale of the water, watching the current and passing barges. This place is ideal for leisurely strolls, thoughtful contemplation of nature, and studying the bridge's ancient trusses, which have been carefully preserved.

For those with an active lifestyle, the pier offers direct access to the Mississippi River Regional Trail. Here you will find many cyclists and runners for whom the historic bridge has become a favorite point on their route. The area is kept perfectly clean, making it pleasant for visiting with children or organizing a small picnic in the adjacent Swing Bridge Park.

As dusk falls, the location is transformed: be sure to stay for the LED lighting. Thousands of lights create colorful reflections on the water, turning the steel structure into a modern art object. This is the best time for professional and amateur photography, where historic metal meets modern lighting technology.

The site is located in Swing Bridge Park at 4465 66th St E in Inver Grove Heights, which is about a 20-minute drive south of downtown Minneapolis. The most convenient way to get here is by car, following highways I-494 or MN-52 to the 66th St E exit. The park itself provides ample free parking for visitors.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a bicycle ride or a walk is a great option. The pier is part of the Mississippi River Regional Trail, which stretches from St. Paul to Hastings. If you prefer public transport, you can take Metro Transit buses to the Inver Grove Heights station; however, from there you will need to walk about 2–3 kilometers or call a taxi.

The nearest major transportation hub is Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), located just 25 kilometers away. A car ride from the terminal to the bridge will take no more than 25 minutes, making the location easily accessible even for those visiting the region for a short time.

The history of this engineering feat began in 1894–1895, when the Pittsburgh Bridge Company built it for the South St. Paul Beltline railroad. The Rock Island Swing Bridge was designed as a unique double-deck structure: heavy livestock trains thundered across the upper level, while the lower level was intended for wagons and early automobiles. Until 1959, it was the only crossing over the Mississippi on the vast stretch between St. Paul and Hastings.

In the 20th century, the bridge faced a difficult fate. After the railroad went bankrupt in 1980, train traffic ceased, and in 1999, the bridge was closed to cars due to structural defects. For a time, it was privately owned and even operated as a toll bridge, but it eventually fell into disrepair. In 2009, part of the structure collapsed, and the historical heritage was threatened with total disappearance, landing on Minnesota's list of most endangered sites.

Salvation came through the efforts of local authorities and grants totaling over $1.5 million. In 2011, after an extensive reconstruction, the surviving portion of the bridge reopened in a new capacity — as a pedestrian pier. Today, it is more than just a bridge; it is a monument to the industrial era, preserving massive stone abutments and steel trusses that serve as a reminder of the transport artery's former grandeur.

For a standard introduction to the attraction and a short walk along the pier, 30–60 minutes is quite enough. This time is sufficient to enjoy the river views and take memorable photos against the backdrop of the historic steel structures.

If you plan to wait for the evening light show or intend to travel along part of the Mississippi River Regional Trail, you should budget about 2 hours for your visit. During the warmer months, many tourists stay for 3 hours or more, organizing family picnics in the adjacent Swing Bridge Park.

Access to the pier is open to everyone daily from 06:00 to 22:00 throughout the year. The light installations turn on every evening immediately after sunset, creating a unique atmosphere for late walks.

Please note that during periods of heavy flooding or extreme weather conditions, access to the bridge may be temporarily restricted for safety reasons. It is recommended to check the city's official website before your trip to confirm the current status of the site.

A visit to the banks of the Mississippi can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the vicinity. The region is famous for its amusement parks and recreation areas, suitable for both families with children and active leisure enthusiasts.