- 1877: 25 miles completed from Powers to Quinnesec, Michigan by the Menominee River Railroad
- 1880: 17 miles completed from Quinnesec to Florence, Wisconsin by the Menominee River Railroad
- 1882: 20 miles completed from Florence to Iron River, Michigan by the Menominee River Railroad
- 1882: Menominee River Railroad acquired by Chicago & North Western Railway
- 1883: 57 miles completed from Three Lakes, Wisconsin to Gogebic, Michigan via Watersmeet by the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway
- 1884: 41 miles completed from Hurley, Wisconsin to Gogebic, Michigan by the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway
- 1885: 40 miles completed from Hurley, Wisconsin to Ashland, Wisconsin by the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway
- 1887: 35 miles completed from Iron River to Watersmeet, Michigan by the Iron River Railway
- 1889: Iron River Railway purchased by Chicago & North Western Railway
- 1893: MLS&W purchased by Chicago & North Western Railway
- 1981: Ashland to Ironwood, Michigan segment abandoned
- 1982: Ironwood to Watersmeet segment abandoned
- 1983: Watersmeet to Iron Mountain, Michigan segment abandoned
- 1983: Wakefield, Michigan to Iron Mountain, Michigan segment acquired for trail use
- 1988: Powers-Iron Mountain segment sold to the Fox Valley & Western Railway
- 1993: FV&W purchased by Wisconsin Central, Ltd
- 2001: Canadian National Railway acquires Wisconsin Central, Ltd
- 1982-Present: Wakefield, Michigan to Iron Mountain, Michigan segment developed as the State Line Trail
- 1982-Present: Areas near Hurley developed into Iron Horse Trail
- 2001-Present: Canadian National operates the line between Powers and Iron Mountain
02/25/23
This large and iconic deck truss bridge crosses the Menominee River northwest of Iron Mountain, Michigan.
The bridge is a centerpiece on the State Line Trail in the area. The structure features two large Double Intersection Warren Deck Truss spans, set on massive stone block piers.
In addition, the bridge is approached by a deck girder span on either end. The girder spans were built in 1911, but were not installed until 1913, when the trusses were installed.
The bridge overall appears to be in excellent condition with little structural deterioration noted. It can be accessed from a set of stairs on Frei Drive.
The bridge has been ranked as being moderately significant by the author due to the more modern age of the structure. However, the structure is still an exemplary example of this design.
The photo above is an overview.
Menominee River Railroad Bridges
Upstream | Headwaters of Menominee River |
Downstream | Kingsford Rail Bridge |