Cherry Rock Park Bridge, Sioux Falls
The Cherry Rock Park Bridge, a historic structure spanning the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls, has been a landmark since its completion in 1902. Built by the C.A. Grinde Company, the bridge originally served horse-drawn wagons and buggies, featuring a wood plank deck and a two-section steel truss design-a Parker Through Truss on the west end and a Pratt Pony Truss on the east.
The bridge's foundation rests on Sioux quartzite, a distinctive pink-hued rock formation once known as Cherry Rock. Early residents used this natural ledge as a diving platform into the deep waters below, though the rock is now hidden beneath the bridge's west abutment.
In the 1930s, the bridge’s quartzite foundations were replaced as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. By 1960, its original wooden deck was swapped for a steel grate deck, and in 1984, it was converted to a pedestrian and bike bridge, becoming an integral part of the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail.
Surrounded by Cherry Rock Park, the bridge is now a scenic pathway within a green space that offers playgrounds, sports fields, and river access. Recognized for its historical significance, the Cherry Rock Park Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 as part of South Dakota’s Historic Bridges collection.
The bridge's foundation rests on Sioux quartzite, a distinctive pink-hued rock formation once known as Cherry Rock. Early residents used this natural ledge as a diving platform into the deep waters below, though the rock is now hidden beneath the bridge's west abutment.
In the 1930s, the bridge’s quartzite foundations were replaced as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. By 1960, its original wooden deck was swapped for a steel grate deck, and in 1984, it was converted to a pedestrian and bike bridge, becoming an integral part of the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail.
Surrounded by Cherry Rock Park, the bridge is now a scenic pathway within a green space that offers playgrounds, sports fields, and river access. Recognized for its historical significance, the Cherry Rock Park Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 as part of South Dakota’s Historic Bridges collection.
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Cherry Rock Park Bridge on Map
Sight Name: Cherry Rock Park Bridge
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Create Your Own Walk in Sioux Falls
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sioux Falls is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sioux Falls Introduction Walking Tour
Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, owes its name to the powerful Sioux people who once lived in the region and the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River which have shaped both the landscape and the city’s development.
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles