25 Bridges to Explore in Illinois
Checkout places to visit in Illinois
IllinoisLocated in the Midwestern area of the United States, Illinois is a vast state filled with charming towns, vibrant metropolitan cities, lush coastal plains, and natural prairies. From Chicago to Springfield and all other points in-between, each part of Illinois offers its own unique vibe that locals and visitors alike can appreciate. The region is steeped in history and culture; among its many landmarks are the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Cahokia Mounds State Historic site, and
Bridges by destinations in Illinois
Popular Activities And Trips in Illinois
Filter By Date
//
Sort By
Bridges to Explore in Illinois
Abraham Lincoln Memorial BridgeThe Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge is an iconic landmark that honors our 16th President. It was completed in 1926 and stands as one of the longest bridges in North America. It spans 8,364 ft with two lanes for northbound travelers heading towards Ottawa and two for southbound travel towards Peru. A scenic trail runs alongside the entire length of the bridge giving pedestrians stunning views over the Illinois River.
Bill Emerson Memorial BridgeThe Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge is an iconic part of Alexander County. Spanning the Mississippi River, this double-deck cantilever truss bridge carries both Interstate access and railroad tracks. Built in the 1960s, it serves as a major transport corridor for locals and travelers alike. Standing 230 feet tall at its highest point, it's impossible to miss when driving through Alexander County. With its brightly painted lines and rustic charm, it's also a beautiful sight.
Cairo Mississippi River BridgeThe Cairo Mississippi River Bridge has the unique distinction of connecting two states. Kansas to the north and Missouri to the south. Constructed in 1964, this bridge stands 856 feet long and is 133 feet tall. It carries traffic along U.S. Route 51/ IL Route 3 its length of four spans across the Mississippi River and provides safe passage for thousands of vehicles each day. The bridge offers a stunning view at sunset as well as other times of day and has become an iconic landmark.
Centennial Bridge (Rock Island, IL - Davenport, IA)The Centennial Bridge is a unique structure that crosses the Mississippi River into Iowa. It was opened in 1940 and is notable for its combination of concrete arches and steel truss elements, making it the first lift-type bridge in the United States to incorporate both features. Spanning nearly a mile, its two navigation spans rise ninety feet above the river's normal pool levels to provide navigational clearance for larger vessels.
DuSable BridgeThe DuSable Bridge is a monument of rich history. First constructed as a toll bridge in 1859, it served to bridge a physical gap between the northern and southern sides of the Chicago River. In 2010, after 150 years of service and over 3 million cars crossed, the beloved old swing-style bridge was replaced with a modern-style bascule lift bridge. Despite its age, not all aspects of the old bridge have been lost — its moveable arms are still in operation today!
Eads BridgeEads Bridge Built in 1874 by James B. Eads, it remains the oldest steel bridge over the Mississippi River, having been declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Spanning nearly 2,500 feet across the Missouri-Illinois border and resting on massive limestone piers topped with Corinthian columns and black granite coping stones, Eads Bridge has remained an impressive feat of engineering for over 140 years.
Fort Madison BridgeThe Fort Madison Bridge spans the Mississippi River and is a two-lane bridge connecting the mainland to Iowa. Built in 1928, the bridge is 645 feet long and has an impressive 124-foot steel arch span which stands over the Mississippi River. It was built as part of an effort to create a hard surface route through the state and was an incredibly important piece of infrastructure at the time, eventually earning it designation as a Historic Landmark by The National Register of Historic Places.
General Dean BridgeThe General Dean Bridge is a single lane bridge that has become a local landmark. Constructed in 1901 and spanning over 320 feet in length, this bridge stands as one of the oldest extant bridges in the region. The structure was created with pin-connected Pratt through truss design, which enabled pedestrians to simply walk into the middle of the river without any risk of falling. Today, it is hailed as an iconic symbol of both past and present.
I 74 BridgeThe I 74 Bridge provides motorists with a major route across the Mississippi River, linking the city of Bettendorf, Iowa with the city of Moline, Illinois. It is the largest in the state at 2.1 miles long and includes two decks that are 100 feet above the river’s waters. This vital transportation link has been providing residents, tourists and commuters alike with a vital connection since it first opened in 1935 - allowing to easily cross between states and communities.
Jackson Street BridgeThe historic Jackson Street Bridge has been a fixture in Will County, for nearly a century. Built in 1919, the truss bridge was the first publicly-funded structure of its kind in the area, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning 80 feet across Fox Creek, it is not only a marvel of engineering, but also a cherished part of local history. With its inviting wooden railings and grand rustic design, this iconic relic has become an attraction to many visitors.
Jefferson Barracks BridgeThe Jefferson Barracks Bridge, is a two-lane steel truss bridge that spans the Mississippi River. Construction began on the bridge in 1932 and it was opened to traffic in 1934. It’s a beautiful sight to see that has since become part of the cultural heritage of Monroe County with its graceful arches stretching across the river. Today, the bridge continues to be an important transportation link for banking, commercial and recreational activities between Missouri and Illinois.
Joe Page BridgeThe Joe Page Bridge is a steel truss bridge spanning an impressive 495 feet across the Illinois River. It was constructed in 1927 and is still used as a major thoroughfare for both vehicle and non-motorized traffic. The use of the bridge has been integral in connecting the areas to the north and south of the river for over 90 years, providing residents with access to trade, commerce and recreation opportunities. The bridge is part of the larger Illinois River Bridge Initiative.
Julien Dubuque BridgeThe Julien Dubuque Bridge opened in 1932, the iconic bridge is the oldest in Jo Daviess County and was the first major suspension-style structure erected in the area. Spanning an impressive 700 feet across the mighty Mississippi River, it offers visitors stunning views of some of America's most breathtaking scenery. As a National Historic Landmark, it serves to remind everyone of both Julien Dubuque's importance to early settler life and his legacy as Jo Daviess County's namesake.
Keokuk-Hamilton BridgeThe Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge is a bridge, joining the cities of Keokuk and Hamilton. The bridge was opened to traffic in 1890 and has remained an important transportation route for more than a century. Spanning two miles across the Mississippi River, it is supported by 42 trusses built on concrete piles driven into bedrock. It offers four lanes for vehicles and two sidewalks—allowing pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the bridge safely.
MacArthur BridgeThe MacArthur Bridge connects St. Clair County, Illinois, to Missouri via the Mississippi River. Construction on the bridge began in October of 2017 and at a cost of $26 million, it was opened for general public use in April 2019. Spanning 4,280 feet across the mighty Mississippi, the bridge has been named after General Douglas MacArthur to honor his achievements and contributions to American military history during World War II.
Mary's River Covered BridgeMary's River Covered Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its historical value. Built sometime around 1880, this bridge is a single-span Burr arch truss structure covered with wooden boards and tin sheeting. It spans 88 feet over the Mary's River and is one of the few remaining structures of its kind in the area. This old-fashioned bridge is still open to vehicle traffic every day, providing a unique look into Randolph County's past.
Old Chain of Rocks BridgeThe Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is an incredible feat of 1930s engineering. Built as part of Route 66, this bridge spans the mighty Mississippi River and provides a unique glimpse into the past. The breathtaking view has attracted visitors for decades, and its historical value gives the bridge extra significance. Hikers and cyclists alike traverse the 1.6 mile wooden suspension bridge, taking advantage of some of nature’s most incredible scenery.
Pomona Natural BridgeThe Pomona Natural Bridge is a breathtaking sight. The bridge is a stunning sandstone span that measures 92 feet long and 15 feet high. It was created over millions of years by the Middle Fork River, which carved deep into the area's hills and valleys. Visitors can enjoy views of this sandstone enclave from its east side, off of State Route 18. The west side can be seen via a trail that leads to the top of the bridge, offering more expansive viewpoints along.