Restoration of the Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge

The reconstructed swinging bridge at Jay Cooke State Park opened to the public on Friday November 8, 2013.

The previous bridge was destroyed in the June 2012 floods. The Minnesota DNR says the new bridge will open to the public following an 11 a.m. press conference on Friday.

Besides being an iconic feature of the park, the swinging bridge offers access to miles of trail south of the St. Louis River.

The DNR said the new bridge includes cedar log handrails on access ramps, recreated stonework on the support pillars to match the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1934 reconstruction, improved access and walkways to the bridge, and an ADA compliant turn-around on the south side of the bridge to improve
wheelchair accessibility.

(Photo courtesy of MN DNR)