Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

About

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge opened in July 1929, connecting Illinois and Missouri across the Mississippi River. Construction began in 1927, creating an impressive steel-truss crossing stretching more than a mile. Its most recognizable feature is an unusual bend near the middle of the bridge. Originally designed as a straight crossing, engineers changed its alignment to accommodate nearby water intake towers and unstable riverbed conditions. The bridge takes its name from a series of rocky shoals that once made this stretch of the Mississippi particularly dangerous for riverboats. In 1936, Route 66 was realigned across the bridge, making it an important gateway for travelers entering and leaving St. Louis. Its distinctive engineering and spectacular river views established it as a memorable landmark along the Mother Road.

Following the construction of the nearby Interstate 270 crossing, the historic bridge closed to automobile traffic around 1970. After decades of deterioration and uncertainty, preservation efforts during the late 1990s transformed the abandoned roadway into a pedestrian and bicycle trail. The bridge joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, recognizing its historical and engineering significance. A new park opened at its Missouri entrance in 2024, providing additional parking, recreational facilities, and opportunities to appreciate the surrounding landscape. Today, visitors can walk or cycle across the historic structure, experience its famous bend, and admire panoramic views of the Mississippi River and its historic water intake towers. The bridge remains an enduring connection between two states and an important surviving landmark of America's historic Route 66.

Get Directions