Historical Segments of Trunk Highways in Minnesota
Historic Significance of Trunk Highways
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Cultural Resources Unit works along with consultants to prepare surveys, conduct evaluations, inventory reports, and site maintenance plans to protect many roadside properties of historic status along the state’s Trunk Highway system.
A majority of the state’s Trunk Highway system has been evaluated for historical significance. Fourteen segments of Minnesota's trunk highway, totaling 183 linear miles of highway, are historically significant in areas of engineering, entertainment, recreation and transportation from the dates of their development between 1920-1973. Scroll down to learn about the trunk highways that are eligible for listing in the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places .
This compilation of data is related to MnDOT research into Historic Bridges and Historic Roadside Properties .
"Four-lane grading near the French River on the new North Shore right of way between Duluth and Knife River." Minnesota Highway Department, Minnesota Highways, June 1960.
Statewide Eligible Historical Trunk Highways
Learn the History of Each Eligible Segment
Click the summary links at the right to zoom in and read about each historic trunk highway segment. Click the photos to see larger images of the historical landscape and current roadways.
Explore More of Minnesota's Transportation System History
"Bridges under construction on the new Duluth-Knife River right of way. Northeast bound bridge in the background.” Minnesota Highway Department, Minnesota Highways, June 1960.
