Project summary
Preservation project for the historic overlook at Hwy 212 in Granite Falls
Repair and preservation work will take place on the west side of the Minnesota River, south of the US 212 river bridge. The overlook was constructed in 1938 by the Minnesota Department of Highways staff and federal relief program workers and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Place. The photo above shows the overlook prior to restoration work.
Traffic impacts
- The sidewalk under the US 212 bridge is closed during repair work.
- Pedestrians can access the north side of the park using the temporary pedestrian access route which uses the US 212/Hwy 23 crosswalk.
- Public parking in Memorial Park will remain open during repointing work.
Preservation work
- Repoint the stone overlook (replace deteriorated mortar between the stones)
- Restore benches
- Repair walkways
- Replace the gravel plaza surface with concrete and repointed stone curb
- Plant new trees
- Add interpretation
- Repoint the south wing wall at the entrance to Granite Falls Memorial Park on Hwy 67; this part of the entry structure is on MnDOT right of way.
Project update
Friday, August 6, 2021
- Overlook repointing work completed and washed.
- The overlook plaza area has been completed and now has a new concrete surface.
- The approach walk from the bridge to the overlook has been poured and the landings at the north stair have also been completed.
- The Memorial Park wall repointing and washing has been completed.
- Remaining work: repair concrete cap for Memorial Park wall, finish setting the stair railing posts, fabrication of new railing, interpretive sign, tree planting.
Overlook with new concrete plaza.
Overlook plaza and new north approach walk from bridge.
Installation of the north stair railing posts.
Installation of the south stair railing posts.
Stone bench supports installed in the plaza area.
Memorial Park Wall - interior section of wall.