Historically, there were a number of islands on the east bank of the Mississippi River north of Saint Anthony Falls. Nicollet Island is the only island remaining intact. Boom Island was the next island north. It was first used by a large lumber mill. Later, it was bought by the Wisconsin Central Railroad. Both industries contributed to filling in the river channels and turning Boom Island into a toxic waste brownfield.

The railroads started to withdraw after WWII. The City of Minneapolis took over Boom Island. The lower section was to be the site of the new Interstate-335 river crossing. The upper island was cleaned up and converted into a marina. Local tour boats use the space, and there is a public launch for private boats. The site is famous for one of the best views of the Minneapolis skyline at night.

As part of the restoration of Boom Island, one of the original river channels was reopened and used for the boat launch. The bridge on this page crosses that channel, which was once a backchannel between Boom Island and the east shore of the Mississippi River.