Missouri
There are four covered bridges in Missouri, all of which are recognized as State Historic Sites.
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- Sandy Creek Covered Bridge (Hillsboro): Built in 1872 as one of six bridges to connect Hillsboro and St. Louis, Sandy Creek’s red barn-like appearance is a favorite for photographers.
- Union Covered Bridge (Paris): In northern Missouri, you’ll find the white Union Covered Bridge, built in 1871.
- Locust Covered Bridge (Laclede): This bridge dates back to 1868, when it was built as a link in one of the earliest transcontinental roads. At 151 feet, it’s the longest of Missouri’s four bridges.
- Burfordville Covered Bridge (Burfordville): The bridge is currently closed due to construction. This historic site also has a mill dating back to the Civil War era.
Illinois
Of the nine covered bridges in Illinois, four are located in the central or southern parts of the state, a relatively short drive from St. Louis.
- Sugar Creek Covered Bridge (Glenarm): Although there is discrepancy with its construction date (1827 or 1880), there is no debate about the historical significance of this bridge, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
- Thompson Mill Covered Bridge (Cowden): At just 10 feet, 7 inches wide, this bridge is the narrowest in Illinois. It was built in Michigan and shipped to Illinois. Today, you can walk across the bridge, but it’s closed to automobile traffic.
- Marys River Covered Bridge (Chester): What was built as part of a toll road in 1854 is now the only bridge of its kind in Southern Illinois. The bridge was in operation until 1930, and in 1936, the state purchased the bridge so it could be preserved. Today, it’s located in a picnic area near Illinois Route 150. This bridge is temporarily closed.
- Jackson Truss Covered Bridge (Toledo): According to legend, a young Abe Lincoln and his father helped build the first version of this bridge in 1832. The original bridge was destroyed by a flood, and a modern replica now stands in its place.
Photography courtesy of Parke County Incorporated
Photography courtesy of Parke County Incorporated
Indiana
There are 98 historic wooden covered bridges in Indiana, 31 of which are located in Parke County, just 60 miles west of Indianapolis. Every October, Parke County hosts Indiana’s largest festival, the Covered Bridge Festival.
- Bridgeton Covered Bridge (Bridgeton): The current bridge was built in 2006, after the original 1868 bridge was destroyed by arson. Its location over a small waterfall and next to a red mill, makes it especially picturesque.
- Cox Ford Covered Bridge (West of Turkey Run State Park): Built in 1913 to replace a steel bridge that was lost in the 1913 flood, this bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
- Crooks Covered Bridge (5 miles southeast of Rockville): This bridge moved from its original location after 1863. Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Bridges and among the oldest in Parke County.
- McAllister Covered Bridge (5.5 miles southeast of Rockville): Built in 1914, the bridge crosses Little Raccoon Creek. It’s situated near Crooks, Neet, and Nevins bridges.
