The Rock Island Swing Bridge in Inver Grove Heights is a fun place for a short little walk. We are always learning about new and interesting places close to home. Madison had her nose work class at this park two weeks ago which made Mom curious and wanting to check out the park.
Built in 1895, the swing bridge spanned the Mississippi River between Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul Park. The bridge was also one of only a few toll bridges in Minnesota and one of the last ones as well.
As time went on, the bridge was causing more trouble than anything. The east side and the swing portions were torn down. The only section that is left is on the west side. It is now a bridge to nowhere, but it has a nice view of the Mississippi. It is quite pretty to look at. We took this photo from the observation platform.
Along the path to the bridge there are several items to see along with explanation. This thing I have my paws on is a gear, which was one of the ones used to operate the swing portion of the bridge.
We would never know what it could be had the sign not been there to explain!
These railroad tracks were used for the train portion of the bridge. The bridge actually was two levels with the cars below and the trains above. It sounds rather scary, but there were no incidents.
Before I take you onto the bridge there is another sign with more information on the two levels, tolls, and the criminal that passed over the Rock Island Swing Bridge.
The photo of the car driving onto the bridge on the sign above was taken from right about where I am standing getting ready to walk onto the bridge.
Here we go out onto the bridge. Evidently during the restoration of these western segment a fire broke out and the bridge deck was severely damaged. It was then repaired prior to opening as a park feature in 2011.
At the end of the short bridge segment they have giant rocks to be used to sit on and watch the river below. I’m sitting on this one for the photo.
We took a shot of the steel structure about is it is kind of interesting to see.
On the way back to the parking lot we saw this piece of steel art which is nice. It is on both sides of the walking path.
Last but not least, I leave you with a red buoy I found on the path heading to the marina which is next to the bridge. It is a quick walk, but a pretty one, and there are interesting things to see. It is worth checking out if you are in the area.
The park is also located along the Mississippi River Regional Trail.
My GBGV Life is happy, so we’re joining Comedy Plus for Happy Tuesday!
Love your history lessons!
Sometimes I get out my smartypants self and learn about some new history. It is kind of fun.
That sure is an impressive bridge, they don’t build them like they used to these days!
They don’t, but we wouldn’t want to have a train going over our car, so we are glad that is not there anymore!
wow that are super impressing photos… and you look great with this bridge… bravo!!
Maybe I will become a bridge hound?
What an interesting place to walk! Thanks for the tour. Looks like it is really warm where you are.
It was around 80 with a ton of humidity that day.
We are not fans of bridges, but mom and Dad are – having both worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This one is a beauty ,and master piece of engineering at the time.
We don’t have any issues with bridges and Mom finds some of them interesting.
Very interesting.
Sometimes we learn things when we do our posts 🙂
I always love when you girls visit new places with your mom! The photos really capture the beauty for all of us to enjoy!
Thank you. It is fun to find new and interesting places.
Oh how fun. I love it that you took us all along with you. I wish I had been there in person though. I could talk to mom and get lots of puppy love.
Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. ♥
We would love to show you around. It may be tough getting here on your boat, though.
Thanks for the tour. Interesting tidbit on Dillinger – paying the toll on the bridge while fleeing the police!
Criminals usually do some odd things!
What a SuperCool bridge and you did a great job as our tour guide, Bailie!
Thank you. We think it is a neat place.
OH MY DOGS what a fun post from your swinging bridge. Well done on all the poses too.
Your mom did a great job on photographing the signs with the information too.
Hugs Cecilia
We couldn’t remember everything, so we had to take some sign pics. It is an interesting place.
wow- fascinating bridge! Great photos!
Thank you. It is a fun find.
That is one cool bridge! I love to take pictures of bridges.
It is fun but usually cars get in the way.
What a terrific tour guide you are! We LOVED hearing about the swing bridge and seeing all the sights! We would love to go and spend a whole day walking around and exploring! (we not us cats, but I bet Mom and Cinnamon would). Thanks so very much! We love seeing the interesting places that our furrends go to.
Thank you. It isn’t a place where you could spend a lot of time, but it is a fun mini adventure and we never even knew it was there until two weeks ago!
It looks like a nice place to spend a couple of hours.
It’s not a huge are, but it is relaxing and there is a lot to see.
No accidents? Wow, we wish we couild say that about the roads and bridges today.
So true. Our big fancy bridge collapsed back in 2007, that was horrible.
What a cool place! I think it’s great that they preserved part of the bridge and made it into an interesting place to visit.
It is a nice place to visit and we can’t believe we never knew about it.
What incredible images!
Thank you. It is an interesting place to visit.