Merriam Street and Hennepin Avenue Bridges, Minneapolis at Night

The Hennepin Avenue Bridge, illuminated at night, connects downtown Minneapolis with Nicollet Island. In the foreground, the Merriam Street Bridge, dating to 1887, incorporates a decorative truss span that was relocated from the former Broadway Avenue Bridge in 1987. The Hennepin Avenue Bridge, a vital transportation link over the Mississippi River, has undergone multiple reconstructions since its original 1855 wooden arch structure, marking it as the oldest crossing site on the river. These structures facilitate access to Nicollet Island, a residential and park area within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, underscoring Minneapolis's urban riverfront.