Minnesota is home to more than a few notable landmarks. From the spoon and cherry at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to Duluth’s iconic Lift Bridge, there are recognizable symbols of Minnesota in every corner of the state. One of the lesser known landmarks? The swinging bridge at Jay Cooke State Park. Read on to learn more about this classic Minnesota landmark and is history.
Jay Cooke State Park is located in northern Minnesota, about 20 miles southwest of Duluth.
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The park is known for its beautiful hiking trails that pass through hardwood forests and alongside the St. Louis River.
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A rocky portion of the river causes the water to flow into a low waterfall. It is one of the most scenic parts of the entire park.
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The scenery is great, but the most famous part of the park is perhaps the swinging suspension bridge.
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This bridge crosses the rushing St. Louis River, making it a perfect place to take photos or just enjoy the view.
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The original bridge was built in 1924. It was rebuilt 10 years later, and it stood for about 25 years.
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Over the years, a few floods have washed the iconic suspension bridge away. The most recent was after a heavy rain in 2012.
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The new bridge was completed in 2014. It continues to be a symbol of Minnesota and its parks.
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Generations of Minnesotans have crossed the bridge. It is truly a Minnesota landmark located within one of our most ruggedly beautiful state parks.
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What do you think? Have you ever crossed the suspension bridge at Jay Cooke State Park? Let us know your experience in the comments below! For more daring fun, check out the adventure park hiding in a Minnesota forest that you need to see.
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