Great Plains Transportation Museum | Wichita

The Historic Bell Street Bridge is a steel truss bridge located in Glendive, Montana.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge is constructed from riveted steel trusses. It features a single lane for vehicular traffic and a pedestrian walkway. The structure spans the Yellowstone River, with a total length of approximately 1,200 feet. The steelwork exhibits a weathered, dark gray patina.

Location & Access Logistics

The bridge is situated in the central part of Glendive, connecting Bell Street on the west bank to the east bank of the Yellowstone River. It is accessible directly from Bell Street. Parking is available on both the west and east sides of the river, with designated areas near the bridge approaches. No public transport routes directly serve the bridge itself, but local bus services operate within Glendive, with stops approximately 0.5km from the bridge.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Historic Bell Street Bridge was completed in 1913. It was built by the Great Northern Railway to facilitate rail and road traffic across the Yellowstone River. The bridge's design is a classic example of early 20th-century steel truss engineering.

Key Highlights & Activities

Pedestrian access is permitted across the bridge, offering views of the Yellowstone River. Photography of the bridge's structural elements is possible. Fishing is permitted from the riverbanks adjacent to the bridge approaches.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not directly available on the bridge. Shade is minimal, provided only by the bridge structure itself during certain times of day. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are not present at the bridge; dining options are located in downtown Glendive, approximately 1km west.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the steel structure. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, offering milder weather conditions. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

During its construction, local folklore suggests that workers used dynamite to clear bedrock for the bridge's foundations, a practice that was considered risky at the time. The bridge was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1983.

Nearby Landmarks

• Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum (0.8km West)
• Makoshika State Park (5km South)
• Yellowstone River (Immediate Vicinity)
• Glendive Historic Downtown (1km West)