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Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: A Historic Route 66 Landmark

Walk or bike across the historic Route 66 Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, spanning the Mississippi River with unique views and a glimpse into the past.

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The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a mile-long former Route 66 bridge spanning the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and Madison, Illinois, is now a pedestrian and bicycle path. Known for its unique 22-degree bend and historic significance, it offers stunning views and a glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

  • 10820 Riverview Dr, St. Louis, Missouri, 63137, US
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Local tips

  • Bring your camera to capture the unique 22-degree bend in the bridge and the views of the Mississippi River.
  • Check the Great Rivers Greenway website for current status, parking information, and alerts about the bridge.
  • Visit during the cooler months for a chance to see bald eagles that migrate to the area.
  • Park on the Illinois side for more reliable parking and access to the bridge.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, take I-270 to exit 3 in Illinois. Follow Highway 3 (Lewis and Clark Blvd) south, then turn right at the first stoplight onto Chain of Rocks Road. Follow Chain of Rocks Road west to the bridge entrance parking area. Parking is free at the lot on the Illinois side. Note that you will cross the one-lane Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge with a stoplight. There are no tolls to cross any of these roads.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown St. Louis, take the Metro St. Louis bus route #71 to the Riverview Transit Center. From there, it is a short walk to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. A single ride on the bus costs $1. Check the Metro St. Louis website or app for schedules and real-time updates.

  • Walking

    If you are already on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River, you can access the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge via the St. Louis Riverfront Trail. Follow the trail north until you reach the bridge entrance. Note that there is no secure parking on the Missouri side. The Riverfront Trail is free to access.

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Discover more about Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, completed in 1929, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and the allure of the open road. Originally a toll bridge, it became a vital part of Route 66 in 1936, connecting Illinois and Missouri. The bridge is a mile long and notable for its 22-degree bend midway across the river, a design choice made necessary by concerns about impeding river navigation and the challenges of finding suitable bedrock on both sides of the Mississippi. No longer carrying vehicular traffic since the completion of the New Chain of Rocks Bridge in 1966, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was reopened in 1999 as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. Today, it offers a unique experience for those seeking to walk or bike across the Mississippi River, providing access to over 300 miles of trails on both sides. The bridge offers views of the St. Louis skyline, the Chain of Rocks Water Treatment Facility, and the historic water intake towers in the Mississippi River. The bridge's name derives from a series of rock ledges that created dangerous rapids in the Mississippi River. Although these rocks are now submerged by a low-water dam built in the 1960s, the name remains a reminder of the river's challenging past. The bridge itself has a colorful history, including a stint as a filming location for the movie "Escape from New York". Visitors can access the bridge from both the Illinois and Missouri sides, though the Illinois side offers more reliable parking. The bridge is open daily from 9 am to dusk, offering a scenic and historic experience for locals and tourists alike.

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