Stillwater’s Lift Bridge Set to Raise for First Time in 2020

Stillwater's iconic Lift Bridge is scheduled to raise once again for boat traffic on the St. Croix River this Friday.

Sure, the coronavirus and COVID-19 have pretty much up-ended, canceled or postponed many events and activities across Minnesota this early spring. But ONE event is still going on: the famous Lift Bridge in Stillwater is once again... lifting.

In case you're not familiar, the Stillwater Lift Bridge used to be the only way to get from Minnesota over to Wisconsin along Minnesota Highway-36. It was built waaay back in 1931 (at what MnDOT says was a cost of just over $460,000.) After a long, drawn-out process, it was replaced by the brand new, way-cool St. Croix River Crossing bridge three years ago.

Since then, though, the original span has been undergoing a makeover. MnDOT explains: "The Lift Bridge has become a much-loved symbol of the city of Stillwater, nestled on the west bank of the St. Croix River. The bridge, spanning the St. Croix River, is being transformed into a bicycle/pedestrian crossing," according to MnDOT's website. "When completed and opened later this spring, the bridge will be part of a new 4.7 mile loop trail system in Minnesota and Wisconsin that includes the St. Croix River Crossing bridge, and other local and regional trails."

And, in a sure sign spring can't be too far behind, MnDOT is going to raise the Lift Bridge for the first time this year on Friday, March 27th, in anticipation of ice-out on the St. Croix River.

"We will raise the bridge and lock it in the raised position as repairs to the lift system are still underway. Once repairs on the lift span and the rest of the bridge are completed, the bridge will open as part of the loop trail. At the same time, the lift schedule will go into effect," MnDOT noted in an email.

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