One of the most poignant memorials in Minneapolis, Minnesota is the I-35W Bridge Collapse Remembrance Garden. This beautiful granite memorial honors the 13 lives who passed away during this tragedy. An infrastructure design flaw caused the heavily traveled bridge to collapse on Aug. 1, 2007. Additionally, the I-35W memorial pays tribute to the 145 injured and the heroic efforts of every day people and first responders.
Guide to the I-35W Bridge Remembrance Garden Memorial in Minneapolis
My husband and son were watching breaking news on TV when I arrived home from work the evening of Aug. 1, 2007. I initially thought the bridge collapse coverage must have happened someplace far away. I was shocked to learn that it was the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis.
Not someplace far away.
Only 26 miles away.
I-35W bridge in Minneapolis: A bridge my family and I had crossed many, many times and a bridge that 140,000 vehicles crossed over daily. A bridge, I later learned, that a friend normally crosses at that time. However, he needed to run an errand that took him on a different road. A bridge where people I met later had just crossed moments before it collapsed.
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Heroic efforts to save lives when the I-35W bridge collapsed in Minneapolis
I’ll never forget the terrifying images and heroic efforts on the day the I-35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River. Images of children being rescued from the school bus, a semi-truck on fire, mangled vehicles. And the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ security camera footage that captured the moment the collapse happened.
Here’s an ABC newscast and video of the tragedy with the I-35W bridge collapse as it happened and the aftermath.
While the I-35W bridge was under construction during the collapse, it was determined a design flaw caused the failure.
A design failure that tragically killed 13 people and injured 145 others.
Where is the I-35W bridge collapse Remembrance Garden in Minneapolis located?
Aug. 1 is a day of remembrance in Minneapolis, but you can honor all the victims throughout the year. The I-35W Remembrance Garden Memorial, open 24 hours a day, is located near the rebuilt bridge on West River Parkway in Minneapolis. You will find the memorial across from Gold Medal Park and just down the street from the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum.
The memorial also honors first responders and Minnesotans who selflessly and courageously stepped up to rescue others from the collapsed I-35W bridge.
The inscription on the I-35W Bridge Collapse Remembrance Garden Memorial reads:
“Our lives are not only defined by what happens, but by how we act in the face of it, not only by what life brings us, but by what we bring to life. Selfless actions and compassion create enduring community out of tragic events.”
Disasters of the Mississippi Riverfront walking tour in Minneapolis
I learned about the I-35W Remembrance Garden while taking a history walking tour, courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society: Disasters of the (Mississippi) Riverfront.
While the Disasters of the Riverfront walking tour does not take you to the I-35 Remembrance Memorial Garden, my friend and I easily found it right after our tour ended. It’s located about a quarter-mile east of the Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater on W. River Parkway in Minneapolis.
We spent a few moments paying our respects and reading their stories on the 13 pillars at the I-35W Bridge Remembrance Garden Memorial. Look closely at the pillars and you can see their names. I highly recommend taking the time to read about these individuals who are missed dearly by their family and friends.
The Disasters of the Riverfront Walking Tours is the most educational tour I took in the Twin Cities. Despite its dark tourism theme, it’s the most fascinating walking tour I took as a guest of the Minnesota Historical Society. Opinions are always my own, and I highly recommend this tour.
Best museum in Minneapolis: Mill City Museum
The Disasters of the Riverfront Walking Tour in Minneapolis meets at the Mill City Museum, a National Historical Landmark, that’s built on the mill ruins. During your tour, you’ll learn more about the source of the fires that caused the ruins.
You’ll also learn about several other disasters that occurred along the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis. Stories include another bridge collapse in 1859 as well as the collapse of the Eastman Tunnel in 1869, along with floods and fires.
And explosions.
Minneapolis: The Flour Milling Capital of the World
Minneapolis was known as the Flour Milling Capital of the World for five decades. That title almost didn’t happen when the Washburn A Mill (later part of General Mills) exploded in 1878. This explosion and fire killed 18 people, sent debris hundreds of feet into the air, and destroyed nearly one-third of the city’s flour milling capacity. It was later determined that flour dust, which is more explosive than gun powder, caused the disaster. *Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Check out this video of a flour dust demo recorded during the Disasters of the Riverfront Walking Tour at the Mill City Museum – the best walking tour in Minneapolis.
There are, of course, happier moments in the Twin Cities’ history to honor, remember, and even celebrate. See my Top 10 walking tours in the Twin Cities post (Minneapolis and St. Paul for a few of those.
Pin it for later: I-35W Bridge Collapse Remembrance Garden Memorial in Minneapolis
What a horrible tragedy. This looks like a very appropriate memorial to honor the memories of all those who were lost.
It was a horrible tragedy…the memorial is a beautiful tribute to all the lives that were lost on that day.
So sad, I remember when his happened. It is nice there is a memorial to visit and remember.
I was touched when I learned about the memorial. I’m glad my friend and I walked over to see it after our tour and to learn more about each of the individuals who lost their lives…they are missed by many.
That was really interesting. I had no idea flour was so combustible. The memorial was touching
I was very surprised by its power also. The memorial is a perfect place to reflect and remember.
I love seeing this post. So important to remember, so many times people and pieces of history are lost.
Thank you. I believe history and remembering is a responsibility for all of us.
It is so humbling when a disaster happens so close to home. What a beautiful memorial for those who died in that terrible collapse.
It truly is a beautiful and meaningful tribute.
Bridge collapses are scary. Last year in Genoa, Italy, one of the main bridges collapsed a few day after we crossed it! Many died. You just can’t help but to wonder about the “what if’s “
So scary and heartbreaking
Wow, how scary. I do love walking tours though and have enjoyed learning about all the ones offered in your area.
So happy to hear you’ve been enjoying them. Really looking forward to the one I’m taking tomorrow about the evolution of women working in Minneapolis.
Wow what an awful tragedy. The memorial looks like a wonderful tribute to those died that day. That tour looks really interesting.
Despite the theme, it was a fascinating tour and many stories of resilience and community while facing tragedy.
Wow. I don’t recall hearing about this. What a tragedy. The remembrance garden is a beautiful tribute.
It is a beautiful tribute.
It’s important to remember the sacrifices that were made in the past, even if they were not voluntary. Great memorial!
Agree!
I think I remember seeing this on the news when it happened. What a beautiful memorial!
I thought it was a beautiful and personal way to remember the lives that were lost that day.
So sad. Sounds like a very interesting tour though.
Very sad…but the tour highlighted so many things I didn’t know about the city’s history.
Such a terrifying tragedy. I tense up every time I go over a bridge.
I remember when the bridge collapsed. It was so sad. My son lives in Bricelyn, MN. What a nice Memorial. Very pretty. Nice way to honor those that lost their lives.
It is a very nice memorial to pay tribute to those who lost their lives that day.
That memorial is beautiful. The Flour Mill video and explosion were also very interesting. So interesting.
I thought the flour dust demo was interesting…had no idea it was so powerful.
What an honorable tribute to those who died and to those who gave their lives. Thank you for shedding light on this memorial!
You’re welcome. I thought it was an honorable tribute also.
So sad, I do remember this. So happy they created a memorial for this and a great visit to see that in times of tragedy so many step up to help out.
So many great stories of compassionate people.
Stories of good and sadness create the city. Learning its history is good.
I agree…and believe that history is a responsibility.
So sad. I don’t remember hearing of the bridge collapse. The memorial is beautiful.
I thought the memorial was beautiful also.
Wow. While I don’t remember this happening, the memorial is a great tribute to those hurt or killed.
I remember that day! I had a friend that was 2 or 3 cars before the bridge when it collapsed. Long hours waiting to hear that family and friends were safe
Oh no…so good to hear your friend was ok. How scary. When I first saw the I-35W bridge collapse on the news I couldn’t believe it was happening here in Minneapolis. This memorial to the victims is such a nice tribute.
As a Civil Engineer, we are taught a lot about engineering failures and disasters. It is a reminder about the importance of what we do for a living. A walking tour in Minneapolis to learn more about the bridge collapse on I-35W over the Mississippi River would be something of interest to me. It is the human story that stays with me for tragedies like this.
I’m sure as a civil engineer, you are very familiar with this topic and the need for better infrastructure. I didn’t realize they had erected a memorial for the victims and survivors of the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis until I took the walking tour. So was very moved to learn about it and pay our respects at the remembrance garden.
I guess this counts as dark tourism (a whole walking tour to visit riverfront disasters!?) It is pretty cool that this kind of tour exists though, to keep the memory alive of the people involved.
The bridge collapse is pretty terrifying isn’t it? I always worry about big infrastructure like that as so much of it needs fixing, with not so many civil engineers to watch/check when they need to be replaced.
I never really thought of that, but yes, the tragic history and disasters on Minneapolis’ riverfront is dark tourism. The bridge collapses are terrifying. We have faith that when we cross a bridge that we will arrive safely on the other side. Our infrastructure definitely needs improvement.
This is so interesting, and so sad. I don’t think I knew about the bridge collapse. What a beautiful memorial to remember those affected.
The I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis was heartbreaking. The remembrance garden they created is very moving and beautiful.
It sounds like it’s a very interesting walking tour to go on, especially if you don’t know much about the disaster. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you. The riverfront disasters walking tour was fascinating history. And the I-35W Bridge Remembrance Garden is a very tasteful memorial for those who lost their lives.
What a scary and tragic event. It’s honorable that the folks who perished are now memorialized in a beautiful work of art. I had never heard of this. Thanks for sharing. Xx Sara
Thank you. The I-35W Remembrance Garden is a beautiful tribute and memorial to honor those who passed away as a result of the bridge collapse.
Such an interesting post to read. What a horrible tragedy the bridge collapse was. The memorial they created is beautiful and a meaningful way to remember the victims.
Thank you. The I-35W Remembrance Garden is a beautiful tribute for lives lost during the bridge collapse in Minneapolis.
Wow, thanks for sharing your grief journey and writing about this tragedy so close to home. It looks like a beautiful memorial.
Thank you. The I-35W Remembrance Garden is a beautiful memorial and tribute to the lives lost during the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis.
I remember watching the I-35 bridge collaspe on the news. What a terrible thing to happen! That is wonderful that they have a memorial for all of the people who lost their lives on that day.
I couldn’t believe the news footage when I saw the I-35W bridge collapsed. The I-35W Remembrance Garden is a very touching memorial.
What a horrible tragedy! I don’t recall this happening, but this memorial is absolutely beautiful and very touching.
The bridge collapse was a horrible tragedy. I think the I-35W Bridge Remembrance Garden is a beautiful memorial.
What a horrible tragedy but a wonderful legacy to honour those who died. I love how this invites everyone in to learn about it, too often memorials are only known to the families.
It was so tragic, but their legacy lives on. The Buddy Holly crash site and Buddy Holly Museum are heartfelt memorials to honor them.