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Stone Arch Bridge

100 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401 · Minneapolis, MN

Why you should go…

Railroad baron James J. Hill built this graceful limestone-and-granite crossing in 1883 to carry his Great Northern trains over the Mississippi, the only stone arch bridge on the entire river. Converted to a walk-and-bike span in 1994, the 2,100-foot bridge curves past St. Anthony Falls with postcard views of the Mill District skyline. A top-to-bottom restoration finished ahead of schedule in July 2025, so every stone and mortar joint is freshly renewed.

  • #bridge
  • #mississippi river
  • #walking
  • #biking
  • #st anthony falls

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Stone Arch Bridge, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    Guthrie Theater

    $25–$50

    World-class theater on the riverfront, wander its cantilevered Endless Bridge for free Mississippi views.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Mill City Museum

    Under $25

    A museum built into the ruins of the world's largest flour mill, with an 8-story elevator show and rooftop river views.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Free

    Weisman Art Museum

    Free

    Frank Gehry's crumpled stainless-steel landmark on the Mississippi bluff, 20,000+ artworks and always-free admission at the U of M.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Cathedral of Saint Paul

    Free

    One of America's grandest domed churches, crowning a hill with sweeping views over downtown St. Paul.

    7.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Minnesota State Capitol

    Free

    Cass Gilbert's 1905 marble statehouse with one of the world's largest self-supported marble domes, free guided tours leave hourly.

    7.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Explore Minnesota Tourism Office

    Free

    Minnesota's state tourism office in St. Paul, offering trip-planning help for visitors traveling around the state.

    8.1 mi awayMore like this