Soo Line High Bridge
Of all the bridges, she is my favorite.
Of all the bridges, she is my favorite.
The 2,682 foot long Soo Line High Bridge, also known as either The High Bridge, or Arcola High Bridge, is the most spectacular river crossing in Minnesota. It crosses the nearly mile wide Saint Croix River Valley between the village of Arcola (MN) and Somerset (WI). It consists of five huge steel arches that tower nearly 200 feet over the bottom of the valley.
Built in 1909, the Arcola High Bridge was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1977. Many consider it the the most spectacular multi-span steel arch bridge in the world. Others compare the magnificent steel work to that of Eiffel's creations in France. Despite the history and national listing, this amazing bridge is all but unknown in the Twin Cities area, and it is virtually impossible to get a glimpse of the structure without trespassing or taking to the water. The Soo Line High Bridge is six miles north of Stillwater. On every trip I pause to marvel at its size, height and incredible engineering. |