This route went straight west from Minneapolis, terminating in the small town of Hutchinson. It was soon sold to the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway.
The route served mainly tourist traffic to Lake Minnetonka, as well as some local freight from the immediate areas surrounding Minneapolis.
The StPM&M was formed into the Great Northern in 1890. The GN operated this as a spur route to Hutchinson.
In 1901, the route would be straightened and a new route built from Hopkins to St. Bonifacius, a 20 mile distance.
This route straitened the overall path, and provided a more reliable connection to Lake Minnetonka. The route would eventually be trimmed back to extend from Wayzata to Hutchinson.
By 1970, the GN was merged into the Burlington Northern Railroad. The BN continued to operate the route until 1985, when a short line known as the Dakota Rail purchased the route.
After struggling for a decade, the Dakota Rail was purchased by RailAmerica in 1995. In 2001, the final train left Hutchinson and the route was abandoned.
McLeod, Carver and Hennepin Counties all purchased their respective portions of the railroad.
As of 2018, the Dakota Rail Trail extends from Wayzata to Lester Prairie. The trail has become popular in the area, and will eventually be extended to Hutchinson.
06/26/21
One of three historic bridges along the Dakota Rail Trail, this one crosses the Seton Channel in Spring Park.
Built in 1914, the bridge consists of a main through girder span, set onto timber substructures.
These types of bridges were commonly built as cheap alternatives to the less durable wooden trestle structures, or more expensive trusses.
Overall, the bridge appears to remain in good condition.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.