Although very few remain around the Prairie State, there’s something so charming about covered bridges in Illinois. If you’re looking for a road trip adventure that will take a day to complete, here’s an itinerary we put together that will take you to seven covered bridges around central and southern Illinois.

Although very few remain around the Prairie State, there’s something so charming about covered bridges in Illinois. If you’re looking for a road trip adventure that will take a day to complete, here’s an itinerary we put together that will take you to seven covered bridges around central and southern Illinois.

Google Maps
Of course, you can take more time and complete it over the course of two or three days instead and customize it to fit your needs by using this interactive Google Maps link. Let's hit the road and discover some wonderful covered bridges around the state!
1. Henderson County Covered Bridge Park, Gladstone
Henderson County Covered Bridge Park, Gladstone, IL 61437, USA
Polaroids & Drinkin Stories/TripAdvisor
Also known as the Allaman Covered Bridge, this 104-foot-long structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take yourself back to the post-Civil War era in 1866 when this charming covered bridge in Illinois was built. Speaking of the Civil War and Illinois, read up on Camp Douglas in Illinois.

Take a look at this video by the local news channel @wgntv:
2. Wolf Covered Bridge, Gilson
Wolf Covered Bridge, Gilson, IL 61436, USA
Kathy Driscoll/Google
Constructed around 1848, this lovely covered bridge spans across the Spoon River. The original was just a deck until 1873 when a covering was built over it after a flood. In 1994, a fire destroyed the original and in 1999, this replica was built in its place. This is one of the most charming Illinois covered bridges. If you are looking for a place to stay in the area, check out Walnut Grove Farm in Knoxville.

Take a look at this drone footage by @MainlightDrone:
3. Sugar Creek Covered Bridge, Glenarm
Sugar Creek Covered Bridge, 769 Covered Bridge Rd #587, Glenarm, IL 62536, USA
Jackson P/TripAdvisor
Measuring 110 feet long and 30 feet wide, this Burr truss bridge was constructed in the 1800s by Thomas Black and was used until 1984. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. The state really has some impressive covered bridges.

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4. Marys River Covered Bridge, Chester
Mary's River Covered Bridge, Little Marys River Covered Bridge, Chester, IL 62233, USA
Paul Furrer/Google
Another one of the nicest "covered bridges near me" in Illinois, this one spans across Marys River. It is a Burr truss bridge approximately 90 feet long and just under 18 feet wide. Built in 1854 as a part of a toll road, it allowed traffic to cross until 1930. Chester is also home to Popeye the Sailor Man.
5. Thompson Mill Covered Bridge, Cowden
Thompson Mill Covered Bridge, 1375 E 225 N Rd, Cowden, IL 62422, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Crossing the Kaskaskia River, one of the most picturesque rivers in Illinois, this 160-foot-long Howe truss bridge is a mere 10 feet, 7 inches wide. Built in 1868, it's the narrowest covered bridge in Illinois and is only open to pedestrians.
6. Cumberland County Covered Bridge, Toledo
Cumberland County Covered Bridge, 1568 Cumberland Rd, Toledo, IL 62468, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
This covered bridge happens to be the longest one in the state at 200 feet long. Originally built in 1832, this bridge has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The latest version was constructed in 2000 to look like the original. Cumberland County Covered Bridge is one of the most remarkable covered bridges in Illinois.
7. Lake of the Woods Covered Bridge, Mahomet
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 109 S Lake of the Woods Rd, Mahomet, IL 61853, USA
Tom Ahasic/Google
Located within the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, this covered bridge spans across the Sangamon River, connecting both sides of the forest preserve. It is the newest on our list of covered bridges in Illinois, built in the 1960s. Get more details on the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve web page.

Take a look at this video by @Kodycarico:

Who’s ready for a road trip to discover covered bridges in Illinois? Have you visited any of these charming covered bridges before? Please tell us all about it in the comments and share photos if you can! And before you head out on a road trip, don’t forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list.

Craving more history in Illinois? Check out these historic Illinois towns.

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More to Explore

Scenic Illinois

Rachel Raimondi | April 23, 2023

What are the most scenic towns in Illinois?

Ready to see more beauty after visiting covered bridges in Illinois? Schedule a visit to some of these scenic towns in Illinois:

  • Woodstock: Aside from being the spot where the 1993 movie Groundhog Day was filmed, there is much more to this town. The entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and there’s also the Woodstock Opera House.
  • Ottawa: With close proximity to Starved Rock State Park, this LaSalle County town is a great spot to stop for something to eat at Monte's Riverside Inn and some shopping at places like A Mess of Things.
  • Fulton: This Whiteside County town focuses on its Dutch history. Take in the 1998 windmill or explore Heritage Canyon, a nature walk featuring 1800s-style structures.

 

What are the best hikes with a view in Illinois?

See the beautiful outdoors of the state by taking some of the best hikes with a view in Illinois:

  • Waterfall Glen Trail: Located in Darien, this is a paved 9.5-mile loop trail within the 2,500-acre park. As you explore, you’ll come across several water features and a waterfall.
  • Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail: You’ll find this two-mile loop within the 1,938-acre Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby. As you make your way on it, you’ll see a waterfall as well as beautiful canyons.
  • Giant City Nature Trail: Located in Cobden, this one-mile loop will take you along a wooden boardwalk surrounded by canyons and flowers.

 

What are the best state parks in Illinois?

There are 41 state parks in Illinois. Here are some of the best state parks in Illinois:

  • Cave-In-Rock State Park: Located in Hardin County, this 204-acre park is part of the Shawnee National Forest. As the name might suggest, there is a 55-foot natural cave to explore as well as opportunities for fishing and boating.
  • Castle Rock State Park: You’ll find this 2,000-acre park in Oregon. With access to Rock River, this is a great spot for paddling, and you can take in views from the boardwalk trail. Other activities here include hiking, biking, swimming, and camping.
  • Chain O Lakes State Park: You might guess from the name, but to be clear, this Spring Grove park is a great choice for paddling and fishing. In fact, the park has 6,500 acres of water and almost 500 miles of shoreline. Other activities here include biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

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