Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park Projects

Archived Projects

1. Mississippi River Boulevard (MRB) Crossing

   Project Description

   The Mississippi River Boulevard Project is a stacked storm water system. This includes a constructed open creek channel alongside a pedestrian path that travels through a tunnel structure under Mississippi River Boulevard and into Hidden Falls Regional Park. The creek channel is an extension of the water feature central to the Highland Bridge Project collecting storm water throughout the development site and releasing it at a controlled rate into Hidden Falls. Pedestrians are able to visualize the water channel as it flows between the development site, over the falls, and through the Hidden Falls creek before delivery to the Mississippi River.  The trail alongside the creek connects the network of trails within the Highland Bridge site to the Mississippi River Boulevard Regional Trail and into Hidden Falls Regional Park.

   Timeline

   The project is being constructed in two phases. 

   Phase I

   Phase I construction of the MRB Crossing Project has been completed. 

   Phase I includes a trail connection from Uŋčí Makhá Park in Highland Bridge development that passes under Mississippi River Boulevard. The trail leads to a plaza overlook above Hidden Falls. A new temporary staircase connects the plaza overlook to the existing trail along Mississippi River Boulevard. The staircase will be removed following completion of Phase II. 

   Phase II

   Funding is currently being sought for Phase II, which will connect the new plaza space completed in Phase I to the historic stone staircase running between the Mississippi River Boulevard Trail and Hidden Falls Regional Park. 

   Related Links

   • South Plaza Staircase Project Plan
   • Highland Bridge Project Website

   Project Background

   The project builds on planning work from the Great River Passage Plan and the Hidden Falls Regional Park Plan and aligns with the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 

   Project Manager

   Ellen Stewart
   ellen.stewart@ci.stpaul.mn.us
   Ph: 651-266-6380

   Project Funding:
   Legacy Parks and Trails Fund
   Click here for more information

   Capitol Region Watershed District
   Click here for more information