Minnesota is full of bridge-themed activities, like visiting our old-fashioned covered bridges or taking a stroll across the Jay Cooke State Park swinging bridge. These are fun excursions that get you outside and allow you to explore some of Minnesota’s historic – but lesser known – spots. Today, we have one more bridge activity to add to the list. There’s a bridge hike in Minnesota that crosses the tallest bridge in the entire state. Whether you hike or bike, we can tell you that it will be a stomach-dropping adventure. Take a look:
Minnesota’s Iron Range is home to many treasures, including natural resources, charming towns, and natural beauty. It’s also home to a little-known bridge that happens to be the tallest in Minnesota.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
The bridge - currently known as the Virginia High Bridge - is in Virginia, Minnesota, and it opened in September 2017 after two years of construction.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
The bridge, a section of US Highway 53, crosses the Rouchleau mine lake, an open-pit mine filled in with water.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
The bridge rises 200 feet over the water. This makes the Virginia High Bridge the tallest bridge in all of Minnesota!
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
The bridge links up with the Mesabi Trail, a 135-mile trail that crosses much of northeastern Minnesota. This paved trail is the perfect way to cross the Virginia High Bridge - if you aren’t afraid of heights.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
There is a special lane - separated from car traffic by a concrete barrier - for bike and foot traffic.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
Between the bars of the bridge’s tall walls, you’ll see a view that might make your stomach drop.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
From 200 feet up, the steep walls of the Rouchleau mine lake, filled in with deep blue water, feel far away.
Iron Range TourismBureau/Facebook
But unless you’re afraid of heights, you’ll love this bridge hike. It offers a rare view of northern Minnesota from the tallest bridge in the entire state. What more could you ask for?
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
Would you cross the Virginia High Bridge? Have you done it before? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out the Iron Range Tourism Bureau website and Facebook page for updates about the bridge and the surrounding area.
Iron Range Tourism Bureau/Facebook
Iron Range TourismBureau/Facebook
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