St. Cloud, Holdingford MN - The Bridges of Stearns County?

It may not be as famous as Madison County, Iowa, just yet. But one community northwest of St. Cloud is hoping to put itself on the map with what supporters believe would be the longest covered bridge in Minnesota.

Holdingford city officials have hoped for years to build a cover over a trestle bridge along the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail.

But backers had trouble securing the needed grant money for the project.

Now, with support from the Holdingford Lions Club and the promise of donated labor from an Army National Guard unit, the idea appears closer to becoming reality. The Stearns County board gave its approval Tuesday.

PHOTO CREDIT: Times photos by Paul Middlestaedt