Mary's River Covered Bridge, Grand Prairie Travel Guide

Nestled in a roadside park along Illinois Route 150, just northeast of Chester, the Mary's River Covered Bridge is a tangible link to the past. Constructed in 1854, this 86-foot-long Burr Arch bridge was a vital part of a plank road connecting Chester and Bremen. The toll road facilitated the transport of agricultural goods to Chester, a bustling Mississippi River port.Built with hand-hewn native white oak, the bridge showcases the craftsmanship of the 19th century. While the floor, floor joists, roof, and siding have been replaced over time, much of the original timber remains intact. The bridge's Burr Arch design, featuring double arches on either side of the King posts, provides both strength and aesthetic appeal.In its early days, the bridge was owned by Mr. Hartmann, who financed the plank road and charged tolls to travelers. The bridge and road were sold to Randolph County in the 1870s and served traffic until 1930. In 1936, the State of Illinois acquired the bridge, preserving it as a historic site and picnic area. Today, visitors can explore the bridge on foot and learn about its history through informative signs.