Big Lake Schools Community Education

BRIDGES IN THE TWIN CITIES - Friday, April 24th 2026 - $112

9:00 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. NE., Monticello. Load in parking lot.
9:15 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot on the front of the building.
10:00 a.m. Meet your tour guide and discover the unique and interesting facts about the bridges in the Twin Cities on a riding tour. There are more bridges crossing the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities than any other place along the entire river’s length. Visit The Stone Arch Bridge. It is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. It was built in 1883 by James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railroad as a railroad bridge. It is now reserved for pedestrians and bicycles with panoramic views of St. Anthony Falls and the milling district of Minneapolis. The highest bridge in St. Paul is the Smith Avenue High Bridge, an inverted arch bridge with a deck height of 160 feet. You will hear stories about who built the bridges, how some have been re envisioned and the impact each bridge has in the community they service. [Note: weather permitting, there will be a couple of stops to get off the bus for a closer view.]
1:00 p.m. Drop off your Guide.
1:15 p.m. Arrive at Jax Cafe, serving Minnesotans since 1933, a landmark that was established by Stanley Kozlak. He left Poland as a teenager and established a restaurant business that would support three generations after him.
Lunch service. Menu: Choose at sign up.
1. Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Vegetable.
2. Swedish Meatballs with Potatoes and Vegetable.
Chocolate Mousse, Coffee, Tea or Milk included
2:45 p.m. Leave Jax Café.
3:30 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael.
3:45 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello.
Deadline for registration and payment is MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026. NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE.