Mississippi River bridge Live Cam

Geological and Environmental Setting

The Mississippi River at Minneapolis flows through a landscape shaped by ancient glacial forces and the interplay of water and stone over thousands of years. At the heart of downtown, Saint Anthony Falls marks the only natural waterfall along the entire Mississippi River, creating a dramatic drop in elevation that once powered the city’s early milling economy. The exposed sandstone and limestone outcrops along the riverbanks reveal layers of geological history, from glacial deposits to riverine erosion patterns. The river channel here is relatively narrow, with strong currents passing over and around the falls, carving out plunge pools and depositing sediments downstream. This dynamic environment presented both opportunity and challenge when considering any permanent crossing: any structure spanning the river had to contend with shifting scours, variable water levels, ice formation in winter, and the erosive force of water cascading over the falls.