Crossing the Mississippi on Foot: The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Where Route 66 once thundered across the mighty Mississippi River, today’s travelers can experience a quieter, more contemplative crossing—on foot or by bike—thanks to the beautifully preserved Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Just outside Granite City, Illinois, this mile-long bridge is a one-of-a-kind slice of American highway history.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_of_Rocks_Bridge

A Bridge with a Twist—Literally

Built in 1929 and officially part of Route 66 from 1936 to 1968, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is unlike any other. At the midpoint, it features a striking 22-degree bend—a design choice made to accommodate river navigation at the time. The curve, combined with the bridge's intricate iron trusses, creates a visual marvel that draws photographers, engineers, and history buffs from all over the world.

Though the bridge once carried the roaring traffic of America’s most famous highway, it now serves a quieter purpose. Closed to vehicular traffic in the 1970s and reopened in the 1990s for recreational use, it has since become a beloved pedestrian and cycling path, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and a tangible link to the past.

A Journey Through Time

Walking the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is more than just a pleasant stroll—it’s a journey through American history. You’ll find interpretive signs along the route that tell the story of the bridge’s construction, its role in the Route 66 era, and the generations of travelers who crossed it heading west in search of adventure, opportunity, or a better life.

From the middle of the bridge, you can see the powerful Mississippi stretching in both directions, with the cityscape of St. Louis to the south and the gentle countryside of Illinois to the north. The view offers a unique moment of pause, a reminder of how this river has long served as both a barrier and a gateway in American life.

One of the Last of Its Kind

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is one of the few original Route 66 bridges still accessible to the public, making it a rare and valuable piece of preserved infrastructure. For fans of the Mother Road, this isn’t just a footpath—it’s a living artifact.

Unlike many historic sites that can only be viewed from behind ropes or barriers, here you can stand where families once drove Model Ts, where soldiers crossed during wartime, and where adventurers pressed on toward the promise of the West.

Make It a Full Experience

Plan a stop that’s more than just a photo. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

• Bring a picnic and enjoy it at one of the shaded tables on either side of the bridge.

• Walk or bike the full mile—there’s something deeply rewarding about reaching the other side on foot, just like travelers did before high-speed highways dominated the landscape.

• Visit at sunset or sunrise for golden views that stretch across the water and illuminate the bridge’s rust-colored beams.

• Check for events—the bridge occasionally hosts community walks, Route 66 celebrations, and cycling tours.
  

Did You Know?

The bridge’s iconic curve wasn’t just for aesthetics—it was designed to avoid a water intake tower located in the Mississippi River. That unusual engineering decision is now one of the features that makes it so memorable.

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge stands as a tribute to a time when the journey was the destination. Whether you’re a Route 66 enthusiast, a history lover, or just looking for a unique way to cross a legendary river, this bridge offers something timeless: a connection to the past, a view of the present, and a step toward adventure.