Mark Twain Memorial Bridge, Hannibal Travel Guide

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Cross the Mississippi on the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge, your gateway to Hannibal's history, scenic views, and Mark Twain's legacy.

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Mark Twain Memorial Bridge

The Mark Twain Memorial Bridge, completed in 2000, spans the Mississippi River, connecting Hannibal, Missouri, with Illinois. Named after Hannibal's most famous son, Mark Twain, the bridge carries both Interstate 72 and U.S. Highway 36, offering scenic views and a direct route into the heart of Twain's boyhood home.

A brief summary to Mark Twain Memorial Bridge

Hannibal, Missouri, 63401, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mark Twain Memorial Bridge.

Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding landscape.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum for a full cultural experience.
Take a stroll along the riverfront after crossing the bridge to enjoy the sounds of the water and the sights of local wildlife.

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Mark Twain - Steamboat Pilot Statue

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home Museum Gallery

Korla Pandit Boyhood Home

Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse

Becky Thatcher House

Explore Mark Twain Memorial Bridge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mark Twain Memorial Bridge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The Mark Twain Memorial Bridge carries both Interstate 72 and U.S. Highway 36. From Illinois, follow I-72 West or US-36 West to cross the bridge into Hannibal. From within Hannibal, follow the signs for I-72 East or US-36 East to access the bridge for travel into Illinois. The bridge is open to one lane of traffic in each direction due to rehabilitation work. There are no tolls to cross the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge.
Public Transport

While there is no direct bus service that crosses the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge, OATS Transit provides service to Hannibal from various locations in Marion County. From the OATS Transit stops in Hannibal, you can connect to locations near the bridge. One-way fares within Hannibal are around $2.00. Greyhound and Trailways also provide bus service to Hannibal. From the bus station, you can take a taxi or use local transportation to reach the bridge area. Bus tickets to Hannibal can start as low as $49.14.
Walking

If starting from downtown Hannibal, head towards North Main Street. Walk north until you reach the intersection with Broadway Street. Continue to Mark Twain Avenue and turn left. Follow Mark Twain Avenue directly to the bridge. There are pedestrian paths available. From the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse, the bridge is accessible by heading down Cardiff Hill and following Main Street to Mark Twain Avenue.

Discover more about Mark Twain Memorial Bridge

The Mark Twain Memorial Bridge is more than just a functional structure; it's a symbolic gateway to Hannibal, Missouri, the town that shaped the legendary author Mark Twain. Completed in 2000, this modern bridge replaced an earlier structure built in 1936 and stands as a testament to both engineering and literary history.Spanning the Mississippi River, the bridge provides passage for Interstate 72 and U.S. Highway 36, vital arteries connecting Missouri and Illinois. As travelers cross, they are treated to panoramic views of the river and the surrounding landscapes, offering a taste of the scenery that inspired Twain's timeless tales. The bridge's location eliminates a sharp curve that existed on the Missouri approach with the old bridge.On the Missouri side, a stone picture of Mark Twain welcomes visitors, a fitting tribute to the man whose stories captured the spirit of the Mississippi. The bridge serves as a starting point for exploring Hannibal's many attractions, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, Cardiff Hill, and the Mississippi Riverfront.