Sight guide · St. Louis · United States
Visiting Chain of Rocks Bridge
Opened in 1929 and once part of Route 66, this 1.6-km bridge over the Mississippi has an unusual 22-degree bend in the middle.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: David Hinkson, http://www.trailnet.org/, Public domain
Quick answer
Chain of Rocks Bridge is a landmark in North St. Louis, St. Louis. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- North St. Louis
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, history, outdoors and views
- Best months
- April and September–October
About Chain of Rocks Bridge
Opened in 1929 and once part of Route 66, this 1.6-km bridge over the Mississippi has an unusual 22-degree bend in the middle. Closed to cars, it is now a walking and cycling route with views of the river and the water intake towers.
Tip: Walk or cycle to the bend in the middle of the bridge for photos; go in daylight and with others, as the area is isolated.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: North St. Louis.
Best time to visit Chain of Rocks Bridge
Chain of Rocks Bridge is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- October: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- September: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-October the sun sets at about 18:23 local time (calculated for St. Louis).
When to visit St. Louis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Chain of Rocks Bridge is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Gateway Arch and Forest Park.
- No. 19 of the 19 sights in our St. Louis things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in St. Louis.
- One of the picks in outdoors in St. Louis.
- One of the picks in historic sites in St. Louis.
If you like Chain of Rocks Bridge
- Gateway Arch — Downtown, 2–3 hours
- Forest Park — Forest Park, Full day
- Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village — Downtown, 3 hours
- Missouri History Museum — Forest Park, 1.5–2 hours
Staying near Chain of Rocks Bridge
Where to stay in St. Louis compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Chain of Rocks Bridge?
Plan 1–2 hours.
+Is Chain of Rocks Bridge free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Chain of Rocks Bridge?
April and September–October for the most comfortable weather. Walk or cycle to the bend in the middle of the bridge for photos; go in daylight and with others, as the area is isolated.
+Do I need to book Chain of Rocks Bridge in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.