The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was part of the renowned Route 66 and crosses a scenic stretch of the Mississippi River and links Illinois and Missouri north of St. Louis. The bridge is short and narrow, only 1 mile long by 24 feet wide, but it now ferries bikes and pedestrians instead of cars across the river. On the Missouri side the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge connects to the
St. Louis Riverfront Trail.
Chain of Rocks gets its name from the river's rocky shoals south of the bridge. From the bridge deck you'll get stupendous views of the St. Louis skyline and the Mississippi River. The water-intake towers here rise above the river like half-submerged castle turrets and classic Route 66 memorabilia is displayed on the Missouri side. Interpretive signs tell the Route 66 story and the history of the bridge.
From the Missouri side, take Interstate 270 east and exit on to Riverview Drive south. The parking lot is on the left. If you're coming from St. Louis, take I-70 to the Adelaide Exit; turn toward the river then go north (left) on Hall Street. Go to Riverview Drive and turn right. Parking will be on your right just south of I-270.
From the Illinois side, take I-270 west and exit at State Route 3 south; go west (right) on Old Chain of Rocks Road. Parking is at the end just before the bridge.
Cars get broken into on the MO side on a regular basis. There is now a real nice parking lot on the IL side. This is a really neat bridge. You can also now do a loop. Go across the bridge and take the Riverfront Trail to the new trail across the McKinley ...
I toured this fabulous bridge in September, 2009. Beautiful panoramic views to say the least and really enjoyed the trip on U.S. Rt. 66; great memorabilia on the bridge. Met people from France, Germany, East St. Louis and Wisconsin. We're from Washington, ...
"Peddled this interesting Bridge 18 Aug 06, A Policeman gave some tourist a talk about the bridge and area. It started to rain on my return from the Illinois side, and a Public Service Man helped me load the Tri-Cruiser in my van."