The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge between Illinois and Missouri on Route 66 at St. Louis over the Mississippi River



Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on Route 66

The historic Chain of Rocks Bridge spanning the Mississippi River on the north edge of St. Louis, Missouri was opened in 1929. The eastern end of the bridge is on Chouteau Island, (part of Madison, Illinois), while the western end is on the Missouri shoreline.

The bridge was part of U.S. Route 66 and linked two states: Illinois and Missouri. The bridge is short and narrow, only 1 mile long by 24 feet wide. It towers more than 60 feet above the water, and features a unique 30-degree turn midway across the river.

Construction cost of the bridge was over $2.5 million, twice its original estimate. The bridge had beautifully landscaped approaches. A park-like setting around a pool and a large, ornate toll booth anchored the Missouri end. On the Illinois side, 400 elm trees lined the approach. The bridge brought travelers into St. Louis by way of the picturesque Chain of Rocks amusement park on the Missouri hills overlooking the river. The bridge became an official part of the Route 66 system in 1936, when the Mother Road was rerouted over the bridge.

In 1966, the New Chain of Rocks Bridge was built immediately to the old bridge's north in order to carry I-270; the old Chain of Rocks Bridge was closed in February of 1970.

The bridge is currently open daily for pedestrians and biking; permits are required for automobile traffic for special events.

Current status, parking information and alerts about the bridge at the Great Rivers Greenway website

Chain of Rocks Bridge at NPS

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Parks Opening Celebration - April 14, 2024

Vintage view of the Chain of Rocks Bridge
Vintage view of the Chain of Rocks Bridge spanning the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri

Bridge entrance in Illinois
The entrance to the old Chain of Rocks bridge near Madison, Illinois
Old Route 66 signs on the bridge
Old Route 66 signs at a resting stop on the old Chain of Rocks Bridge between Illinois and Missouri


Map of St. Louis Route 66 Aligments

Included below is a map showing the various alignments of Route 66 around St. Louis over the years, courtesy of Explore St. Louis. It shows the connection with the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (upper right).

For a larger version of the map and more St. Louis Route 66 visitor information/attractions, visit Route 66 at Explore St. Louis

Map of St. Louis Route 66 Aligments



Interactive Map of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge


Road Trip Travel Guides for Various States Along Route 66

Need help and ideas when planning your road trip on Route 66? Here are travel guides and reviews by state...

Route 66 Road Trips in Illinois Route 66 in Missouri Route 66 in Kansas Route 66 Road Trips Across Oklahoma
Route 66 in Texas Route 66 Across New Mexico Route 66 Across Arizona Route 66 Across California