Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
St. Louis, MO
A mile-long former Route 66 bridge over the Mississippi with a 22-degree bend in the middle. Now open to walkers and cyclists only.
Opened in 1929, the Chain of Rocks Bridge crosses the Mississippi on the northern edge of St. Louis, running about 1.6 km (1 mile) between Missouri and Illinois. Midway across it bends sharply – by 22 or 30 degrees, depending on the source – because it had to steer clear of water intake towers in the river. It takes its name from a dangerous stretch of rocky rapids known as the Chain of Rocks. From 1936 Route 66 crossed the bridge; after a new interstate bridge was built, it was closed to cars. In 1981 it served as a filming location for "Escape from New York."
Today the bridge is open daily to pedestrians and cyclists and has been managed by Great Rivers Greenway since 2014. There is free parking on the Illinois side and at North Riverfront Park in Missouri. From the bridge you can connect to an extensive network of regional bike and walking trails.
- Nearest town
- St. Louis, MO
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.7603, -90.1774
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Eagle PointCampsite5 mi from Old Chain of Rocks BridgeFree
- Ellis IslandCampsite8 mi from Old Chain of Rocks BridgeFree
- Safari RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Old Chain of Rocks BridgeMotorhomes
- Love's RV HookupMotorhome stopover20 mi from Old Chain of Rocks Bridge · 6 pitchesMotorhomes
- 370 Lakeside Park RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover22 mi from Old Chain of Rocks BridgeMotorhomesWaste disposal
- Tent Camping (Class B)Campsite24 mi from Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
All campsites in Missouri · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Old Chain of Rocks Bridge?
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is in St. Louis, MO, at GPS 38.7603, -90.1774. It is about 40 mi from Augusta.
Can you camp near Old Chain of Rocks Bridge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Eagle Point, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Old Chain of Rocks Bridge?
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route 66, part one: Chicago to Oklahoma City and Neon, diners and endless horizons – Route 66 by camper from Chicago to Santa Monica.
What is there to see near Old Chain of Rocks Bridge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Gateway Arch (9 mi), Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (10 mi), Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (13 mi) and Sainte Genevieve Historic District (54 mi).
When is the best time to visit Old Chain of Rocks Bridge?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)