Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum | Buffalo

The Grant Marsh Bridge is a concrete girder bridge spanning the Missouri River in Bismarck, North Dakota.

It is a multi-span concrete girder bridge with a deck width of approximately 20 meters. The bridge features a series of concrete piers supporting the deck. The color of the concrete is a standard grey. Its overall length is approximately 1,200 meters.

Location & Access Logistics

The Grant Marsh Bridge is located on the eastern edge of Bismarck, connecting the city to the east bank of the Missouri River. Access is directly from US Highway 83 (also known as Memorial Highway). The bridge is approximately 5 kilometers east of the Bismarck city center. Ample parking is available on both the Bismarck side and the eastern side of the river at designated access points and recreational areas. Public transport options are limited; however, local bus routes may service areas near the bridge's western approach.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Grant Marsh Bridge was completed in 1965. It was designed to facilitate increased traffic flow and provide a crucial link across the Missouri River for the growing population of Bismarck and surrounding areas. The bridge was built using reinforced concrete construction techniques prevalent at the time. The river itself is a glacial meltwater channel, part of the Missouri River watershed.

Key Highlights & Activities

Pedestrian access is permitted on designated sidewalks along the bridge. Fishing is possible from the riverbanks adjacent to the bridge's approaches. Birdwatching is a common activity due to the riverine environment. Photography of the bridge structure and the river landscape is possible from various vantage points.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the adjacent parks on both sides of the river. Shade is limited on the bridge itself, but park areas offer some tree cover. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are not typically present directly on the bridge, but are located in nearby park facilities and commercial areas on either side of the river.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the bridge structure and river. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, offering milder weather conditions. There are no tide-related considerations for visiting the bridge.

Facts & Legends

The bridge is named after Grant Marsh, a prominent Bismarck businessman and philanthropist. A local anecdote suggests that during construction, workers encountered unusually strong currents in the Missouri River, requiring innovative engineering solutions to secure the bridge's foundations.

Nearby Landmarks

• Heritage Center of North Dakota (2.5km West)
• North Dakota State Capitol Building (3.0km West)
• Missouri River State Recreation Area (0.8km East)
• Keelboat Park (1.8km Southwest)
• Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (3.2km West)