Stretching across the mighty Mississippi River like a rusted relic from America’s road trip heyday, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is one of Route 66’s most unique—and strangest—landmarks. With its bizarre 22-degree bend in the middle and a history full of reinvention, decay, and rebirth, this bridge has way more personality than your average steel span.
If you’re heading through St. Louis on your Route 66 journey, don’t skip it. This bridge is the moment.
Where Is It?
The bridge connects St. Louis, Missouri, and Madison, Illinois, just north of downtown. Once a vital link for Route 66 travelers, it now serves only pedestrians and cyclists.
Access Points:
- Missouri Side: 10820 Riverview Dr, St. Louis, MO 63137
- Illinois Side: Chain of Rocks Rd, Granite City, IL 62040
There’s parking on both sides, but the Missouri side is easier for visitors coming from the city.
The Weird Bend in the Middle
This bridge doesn’t just cross the river—it zigzags across it. A sharp 22-degree turn near the center makes it unlike any other major bridge in America. Why the curve? Engineers had to align the bridge with existing river piers and avoid the submerged chain of rocks that gave the area its name.
The result was a logistical nightmare for trucks, which had to slow to a crawl to make the turn. For decades, it was one of the most memorable (and frustrating) stretches of old Route 66.
A Bridge with Nine Lives
Opened in 1929, the Chain of Rocks Bridge carried Route 66 traffic for decades. But by the late 1960s, it was outdated. The curve was dangerous for modern vehicles, and larger interstate bridges made it unnecessary. It closed to vehicular traffic in 1968 and was left to decay.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the bridge became known more for urban legends and crime than for its architecture. It even appeared in the 1981 movie Escape from New York, chosen for its post-apocalyptic vibe.
But in the late 1990s, local cycling advocates and preservationists brought the bridge back to life. Today, it’s part of the Route 66 Bike Trail and maintained as a historic landmark by regional groups.
What You’ll See
- Sweeping views of the Mississippi River, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset
- The 22-degree curve, now marked with plaques explaining the bridge’s strange engineering
- Restored lamp posts in the 1920s style, adding to the vintage feel
- Wildlife sightings, including bald eagles that nest nearby
Things to Do Nearby
- Route 66 State Park – Learn more about the highway’s history just a short drive away
- Museum of Transportation – A great stop for rail and automotive history buffs
- Cahokia Mounds – One of the largest prehistoric Native American sites in North America
- Granite City and downtown St. Louis – Good food, coffee, and some hidden gems if you’re in the mood to explore
Tips Before You Go
- Pedestrian-only – You’ll need walking shoes or a bike
- Daylight only – The bridge is generally closed at night and may close during storms or flooding
- No bathrooms or vending machines – Plan ahead
- Security patrols – The bridge is safe during the day, but avoid wandering too far from the main trail alone at dusk
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is more than a chunk of rusted steel. It’s a symbol of the old highway—worn, weird, and full of stories. You don’t drive across it anymore. You walk it, slowly, soaking in the view, the silence, and the ghosts of a thousand cross-country trips that came before yours.
If you’re a Route 66 purist, this stop isn’t optional—it’s essential.
