During the 1800s it was difficult for eastern North Dakotans to cross the Sheyenne River, one of the main waterways of the state. Valley City, often referred to as the gateway to the Sheyenne Valley, grew up around the Sheyenne and its residents were forced to cross the river at Morrison's Ford. Valley City, once considered as a site for the state's capitol, is known today as the city of bridges.
Eight of the city's bridges make up an scenic bridge tour. Pictured here is the state university footbridge, a wooden planked suspension bridge, dating back to 1901. Particularly ornate, the 150 foot long span is the only one of its kind in the state. Valley City State University is known for its laptop initiative, the second college in the country to require students and instructors to use notebook computers.
Two of the city's eight bridges, the Rainbow Bridge and West City Bridge, were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.