Added on June 25, 2019  The News Wheel   , , ,
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4 Cool Covered Bridges to Explore in Illinois

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Few landmarks embody the spirit of America’s rural past than covered bridges. (These sites also make great places to stop and stretch your legs on summer road trips.) Celebrate the key role these structures played in Illinois transportation when you visit one or more of these bridges. 

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Princeton’s Red Covered Bridge

Located off of Route 26 North in Princeton, this covered bridge spans Bureau Creek. Built in 1863, it still boasts a sign that harkens back to a more pastoral era: “Five dollars fine for driving more than twelve horses mules or cattle at one time or for leading any beast faster than a walk on or across the bridge.”

Little Mary’s River 

Known as the state’s oldest bridge and the only covered bridge still remaining in southern Illinois, Little Mary’s River bridge is a popular attraction in Chester. It was originally built in 1854 in the Burr Arch style, and measures 86 feet long. 

Sugar Creek 

Glenarm is home to the 60-foot-long Sugar Creek covered bridge. Thomas Black originally built it back in 1880 and it was restored to its current state in 1965. Visitors often pack a picnic or hiking gear since there’s a small park adjacent to the bridge. 

Thompson Mill

One of the narrowest covered bridges in the state, the Thomas Mill bridge straddles the Kaskaskia River. It measures 105 feet long and 10 feet wide. Though you can’t drive across it in your car, it’s fun to walk through it and take pictures of the bridge and the river. 

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News Sources: Only in Your State, Great River Road, EnjoyIllinois.com, Sangamon County History