Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
4.6(1.1K)google
4.3(25)yelp
Road Trip
Overview
Spanning proudly over the wide, roaring currents of the Mississippi River, the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a magnificent engineering icon internationally famous for its dramatic, unique twenty-two degree bend in the middle. Originally completed in 1929 as a vital, bustling link along the legendary historic Route 66 highway network, it has been creatively transformed into one of the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridges on Earth. Pedestrian travelers can enjoy a scenic walk with breathtaking panoramic vistas over rolling river waters, historic intake towers, and the distant skyline.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeLate spring through early autumn for cycling, or January through February for winter bald eagle watching, are peak slots. Arriving before dawn between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM is magic; standing at the bridge's unique, historic 22-degree midpoint bend captures a dramatic river sunrise glowing over the churning locks below.
Getting ThereCommanding the northernmost Mississippi riverfront corridor. Driving is mandatory as no municipal rail extends here. Follow I-270 N to Exit 34 for Riverview Drive, travel north for approximately 1 mile, and make a clean right turn following the brown historical trail banners straight into the secured free guest parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Featuring an iconic 30-degree turn, this historic Route 66 bridge is strictly bicycle- and pedestrian-only, operating from 9:00 AM to dusk daily when the automated security gates undergo mandatory closure.
- Due to vehicular break-in history, the Missouri-side entrance lacks monitored parking options; driving visitors are strongly advised to route over to the more secure Illinois-side public surface parking lots.
- Spanning over one mile with zero physical canopy structures, the open river deck experiences intense crosswind shear forces, creating a severe risk of signal loss and crashes for consumer drone flights.
Reviews
Positive
- The historic Route 66 bridge spanning the Mississippi River delivers spectacular visual impact with its rare, sharp 22-degree middle bend angle design.
- Now fully converted into a pedestrian and bicycle trail, the bridge deck is wide, flat, fully accessible, and lined with functional benches and waste bins.
- The park trail safety guardrails are sturdy, featuring crisp informational historical signs, and regular bicycle police patrols ensure reliable civic order.
- The historic engineering monument charges absolutely zero admission fees, offering families unbeatable zero-cost panoramic sunset strolling.
Heads up
- The mile-long bridge deck is heavily exposed to the elements, completely lacking continuous shade pavilions under blazing summer sun or harsh freezing winter winds.
- As an uncommercialized linear trail monument, the property contains zero indoor restroom blocks or running water stations, making packing hydration mandatory.
- Situated in a remote industrial-riverway boundary zone, the unmonitored parking lots on both ends can attract stray activity near dusk, raising security concerns.
- Reaching the bridge approach requires a lengthy physical walk from vehicle lots, and the complete absence of concession shacks makes packing snacks necessary.