Why You Should Go...
The double-decker Rock Island Swing Bridge is the key feature at Swing Bridge Park. Built in 1895, it carried trains and cars across the river just upstream from a large oil refinery. The bridge was closed in 1999 and all but the west approach was removed in 2009. The remaining section of this historic bridge was converted into an accessible pier.
The adjacent land became Swing Bridge Park, which is a Mississippi River Trail trailhead and bike repair station. Swing Bridge Park is handicap accessible.
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Why You Should Go...
The double-decker Rock Island Swing Bridge is the key feature at Swing Bridge Park. Built in 1895, it carried trains and cars across the river just upstream from a large oil refinery. The bridge was closed in 1999 and all but the west approach was removed in 2009. The remaining section of this historic bridge was converted into an accessible pier.
The adjacent land became Swing Bridge Park, which is a Mississippi River Trail trailhead and bike repair station. Swing Bridge Park is handicap accessible.
What You Should Know...
Open:
Year-Round
Cost: Free
Access: Wheelchair, Public Transportation, Service Animals, Pets, Bicycle
Extra Fun...
Fun Facts
As a double-decker bridge, cars would drive on the bottom level while trains would cross on the top.
This bridge was one of the few toll bridges in Minnesota, with a toll of 75 cents at the time that it closed in 1999.
The original bridge was 1,661 feet long with a 442-foot swing span. The current pier is 670 feet long and takes you to the middle of the Mississippi River.