Whitewater State Park
Descriptions of Selected Resources
Minnesota state parks contain a variety of historic properties. These images are representative of the Rustic Style historic resources built in Minnesota state parks.
Entrance Sign
Builder: WPA
Architect: National Park Service
Date: 1937
The Entrance Sign at the southern boundary of the park rests on a low limestone wall with stepped sides. The wall is approximately 20' long and 5' high and supports the 8' x 4'6" sign that reads "Whitewater State Park."
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Shelter Building
Builder: CCC
Architect: Edward W. Barber
Date: 1934-35
The Shelter Building is a 46' x 28' rectangular structure that rests on a 61' x 43' concrete slab covered with limestone flagging. The shelter may be entered through 16' openings in the end walls or 25' openings in the principal facades that are divided into three bays by 12" square rough hewn posts with brackets. Limestone piers are placed in each corner of the shelter and feature 4' wide window openings with corbelled stonework. Built-in benches are located in each corner. The gable roof is supported by six heavy wooden trusses constructed with 12" square timber. This is the only building in the state park system with open gable ends that expose the wooden truss work.
A January 1935 publication titled Monthly Report on Emergency Conservation Work comments, "The picnic shelter, which is nearest to completion, begins to show what enrollees actually can do in the way of beautiful and stable construction. The roof, being of heavy timber trusses mounted on limestone piers, indeed harmonizes with the rustic and rugged landscape of this area."
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Dam and Foot Bridge
Builder: CCC
Architect: Skooglin
Date: 1935
The Recreational Dam and Foot Bridge is located at the north end of the lake. The structure is 56'3" long and 8'3" wide and is constructed with concrete foundation walls which are faced with stone. A foot bridge crosses the dam and is flanked by three pairs of stone piers which separate the structure into two distinct sections. At the western end, the piers define a 12' long section with two outlet gates with drums and winches to control the flow of water from the lake. At the eastern end, the piers flank a 20' wide spillway. The walkway above the dam features plank decking and 6" x 6" timber rails which run the entire length of the dam and rest on the stone piers.
On July 27, l935 a devastating flood washed out both ends of the dam and subsequent repairs included additions to the concrete core and additional riprapping on both sides of the dam. Riprap on the north side of the dam is set in concrete.
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Foot Bridge
Builder: CCC
Architect: N. Averill
Date: 1935 & 1938
This handsome Foot Bridge crosses the Whitewater River joining the east bank of the river with an island formed by a diversion channel for the swimming beach. It connects with a trail system leading over limestone bluffs high above the river.
The Foot Bridge is 86' long and 6'6" wide and rises 12'6" above the Whitewater River. The bridge is constructed with massive 12" x 18" x 30' wooden beams, which are connected with steel plates. The bridge deck is composed of 3" x 12" planks, each 7' long. There is a one-foot rise in the bridge from each end to the 13'6" level center section, which gives the bridge the appearance of a graceful segmental arch. Posts and railings are constructed with 3" x 12" and 6" x 12" timber. The bridge is approached from the west via six limestone steps flanked by flared stone retaining walls that support the bridge railings. The east end of the bridge terminates in a landing paved with limestone and flanked by retaining walls.
Modifications were made to the bridge in 1938, possibly to correct damage inflicted by heavy spring flooding. The river channel was widened and additional riprapping was installed along the river bank under the bridge. The stonework at each end of the bridge may have been installed at this time since it appears the overall length of the bridge was extended as a result of the alterations.
This is the only surviving bridge of this type in the state park system.
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