Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, River Bend Travel Guide

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Walk or bike across the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a unique Route 66 landmark spanning the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri.

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Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a mile-long historic structure, spans the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and Madison, Illinois. Once a vital part of Route 66, it's now a pedestrian and bicycle bridge offering scenic views and a unique 30-degree bend.

A brief summary to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

10820 Riverview Dr, St. Louis, Missouri, 63137, US
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Monday 9 am-8:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-8:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-8:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-8:30 pm
Friday 9 am-8:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-8:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-8:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Bring your bike for a scenic ride across the mile-long bridge and explore the connecting trails on either side of the Mississippi River.
Visit during the annual Eagle Days event for a chance to see bald eagles and learn about the area's natural history.
Check the Great Rivers Greenway website for current status, parking information, and alerts about bridge closures or special events.

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A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, mapped for you.

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Buy tickets

No tickets available

Book tours with entry

Ebike Ride from the Gateway Arch to the Chain of Rocks Bridge

$99.75

Book tours without entry

Route 66 Multi Day Tour from Chicago to Los Angeles

$9.50

Getting There

Walking

From the Illinois side parking area (4205-4207 Chain of Rocks Rd, Granite City, IL), walk west towards the bridge entrance. The bridge is directly accessible from the parking lot. Follow the path onto the bridge. There are no fees for accessing the bridge on foot.
Public Transport

While there is no direct public transportation to the bridge, you can take a bus to a nearby location and then walk or bike to the Illinois side entrance. From St. Louis, take the #4 bus to Riverview Drive and Chain of Rocks Road, then walk approximately 1 mile north on Chain of Rocks Road to the bridge entrance. A single ride on the #4 bus costs $3. Please check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Driving

From I-270 in Illinois, take exit 3 for IL Route 3/Lewis and Clark Blvd. Head south on IL Route 3, then turn right onto Chain of Rocks Road and drive west to the bridge entrance. Free parking is available at the lot on the Illinois side (4205-4207 Chain of Rocks Rd, Granite City, IL). Be aware that the parking lot on the Missouri side is closed except for special events.

Discover more about Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, soaring 60 feet above the Mississippi River, offers a unique experience with its 22/30-degree bend midway across its mile-long span. Originally opened in 1929 as a toll bridge, it became a crucial part of Route 66 in 1936, connecting Illinois and Missouri. The bridge's unusual bend was engineered to address concerns from riverboat captains about navigating the river's treacherous conditions, including water intake towers and rocky ledges.In 1966, the New Chain of Rocks Bridge was built to carry I-270, leading to the closure of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to vehicular traffic in 1970. For years, the bridge faced uncertainty, even serving as a filming location for the movie 'Escape from New York'. Thankfully, demolition was averted, and in 1998, Trailnet leased the bridge and renovated it for pedestrian and bicycle use.Today, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a popular destination for recreation and history enthusiasts. It provides access to over 300 miles of trails on both sides of the river and offers stunning views of the St. Louis skyline, the river, and the historic water intake towers. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a significant landmark of the Route 66 era.