Hi Line Train

9 Iconic Bridges in North Dakota

The Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge spanning the Missouri River between Bismarck and Mandan opened up travel to the west in 1882. That traffic led to the growth of Bismarck (Edwinton) and eventually points west. Bridges and their impacts have played a key role in North Dakota history. Here are several bridges of note.

Hi-Line Bridge
Hi-Line Bridge

At 3,860 long and 162 feet above the river bed below, the Hi-Line Bridge is one of the highest and longest singletrack railroad bridges in the nation. It opened in 1908.

100 Central Ave S
Valley City, ND 58072
United States

Bridges of the Sheyenne National Byway
Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway

The tree-lined, rolling hills of this valley are speckled with quaint towns and farmsteads, gently flowing streams and bridges that lend to its American charm.

Northern Pacific (BNSF) Railroad Bridge
Northern Pacific (BNSF) Railroad Bridge

When completed in 1882, the bridge allowed for the continued expansion of the railroad and people west of the Missouri River. The sisters cities of Bismarck (Edwinton) and Mandan flourished.

1300 River Rd
Bismarck, ND 58503
United States

Liberty Memorial Bridge
Liberty Memorial Bridge

Liberty Memorial Bridge between Bismarck and Mandan was the first roadway bridge across the Missouri River. It link coast-to-coast U.S. Highway 10 when it was completed in 1920.

154 Riverside Park Rd
Bismarck, ND 58504
United States

Fairview Lift Bridge
Fairview Lift Bridge

The Fairview Lift Bridge, just inside the North Dakota-Montana border and now closed to vehicle and rail traffic, stretches 1,320 feet across the Yellowstone River and has been turned into a walkway. The Great Northern Railroad bridge 

2293 151st Ave NW
Cartwright, ND 58838
United States

Four Bears Bridge
Four Bears Bridge

The longest bridge in North Dakota at nearly one mile, Four Bears Bridge spans a portion of Lake Sakakawea. The bridge design honors 19 tribal chiefs of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes.

Sorlie Bridge
Sorlie Bridge

Built in 1929, the Sorlie Bridge Connects Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, Minn. It was named after North Dakota's 14th governor, Arthur Sorlie.

10 Levee St
Grand Forks, ND 58201
United States

Brick Mine Bridge
Brick Mine Bridge

The iconic Brick Mine Bridge spans the Pembina River in the scenic Pembina Gorge. The bridge is an access point used by canoers and kayakers for access to the Pembina River.


Walhalla, ND 58282
United States

Lost Bridge replacement bridge
Lost Bridge

The bridge north of Killdeer was built over the Little Missouri River in 1930, before there was even a road to the bridge. Highway 22 eventually linked the bridge to the outside world, but not for another 20 years. A new bridge now stands in its place.


Killdeer, ND 58640
United States