Whether on a crisp walk through fall colors or a vibrant stroll through what feels like miles of spring blooms, immersing oneself in Minnesota’s natural beauty is always a day well spent. We’re fortunate to have plenty of scenic parks, lakes, and trails to explore no matter the season! But what doesn’t often come to mind on a day of adventure is bridge hunting and exploring the magnificent architectural remnants of our state’s historic past. Fortunately, there’s one such spot where nature and manmade architecture collide: a gorgeous stone tunnel tucked away in plain sight and engulfed in foliage. On your next family outing, visiting the Stewart Creek Stone Arch Bridge in Duluth is well worth the stop!
Nearly 30 miles of winding, scenic twists and turns make up Duluth’s famous Skyline Parkway, a lovely and well-traveled stretch of eastern Minnesota that was originally intended as a small piece of a larger park and boulevard connection system.
Tyler Walther/GoogleMaps The Parkway offers spectacular views of Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Bay and is also one of the state’s best places to catch fall foliage.
Just west of Spirit Mountain on the edge of Duluth, one of the state’s most distinct and historic bridges sits quietly, overlooked by many passersby as it crosses over Stewart Creek: the Stewart Creek Stone-Arch Bridge. But this magnificent bridge, built in 1925, is well worth a visit! It has also earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Doug Stevens/GoogleMaps
With its jagged, medieval-esque stone guards on either side, dark green locally-quarried gabbro rock construction, and stunning 30-foot arch over the ravine, the Stewart Creek Stone-Arch Bridge is nothing if not incredible.
Andrew Trautner/GoogleMaps
Anthony Andrews/GoogleMaps
An easy scramble to the base during low season reveals just how spectacular it is - possibly even a little eerie in the right conditions!
cary schmies/GoogleMaps
Jean Dallmann/GoogleMaps
The picturesque location allows the bridge face and creek tunnel to be partially enveloped in foliage - a sight that is undeniably magical in fall.
Kim Lemmi/AllTrails
The intricate details that make up the bridge’s architecture add just a touch of fairytale-inspired dreaminess to the scene, and make it an excellent stop to take a well-earned photo.
cary schmies/GoogleMaps
And the best part? It’s stunning in every season!
Stephen Smith/GoogleMaps
You can find this gorgeous “tunnel in the trees” tucked away in the equally gorgeous Magney-Snively Natural Area, although no official trails lead directly to it. Use the coordinates below to find the exact spot!
Stephan Tuohy/GoogleMaps
Did you know this bridge was hiding in the trees in the Magney-Snively Natural Area? Have you ever visited? We love these unexpected pieces of Minnesota history!
Tyler Walther/GoogleMaps
The Parkway offers spectacular views of Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Bay and is also one of the state’s best places to catch fall foliage.
Doug Stevens/GoogleMaps
Andrew Trautner/GoogleMaps
Anthony Andrews/GoogleMaps
cary schmies/GoogleMaps
Jean Dallmann/GoogleMaps
Kim Lemmi/AllTrails
Stephen Smith/GoogleMaps
Stephan Tuohy/GoogleMaps
If you’re craving even more nature, these are the best lakes in Minnesota, according to our readers. Or, check out Minnesota’s gorgeous tunnel of trees!
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