locust creek covered bridge state historic site

It is worth the short walk to see a beautiful, well-maintained bridge in MO! Make sure you bring some walking shoes!

Noticed the small sign on the Highway as we were headed out east and decided to check it out as we were returning west. The gravel roads take you out to a small parking area where you may then walk about a quarter of a mile (equal to 1 lap around a track) to the bridge. The walk to the bridge is scenic and enjoyable as you listen to the birds on the way. There is a kiosk that describes the different trusses used in bridgework and has tracts with additional information. The bridge is very picturesque although there is no longer any water under it as the creek channel has changed over time. Great photo ops and the bridge is in wonderful condition.

Even though there is no longer a body of water underneath this bridge it was nice to walk through the "wooden tunnel" and feel how the travelers long ago felt as they crossed this bridge. Picked up the other pamphlets at the kiosk there to read about neighboring sites.

This site sits only a few miles (<6) off of Highway 36 outside of Laclede, MO. There are a few signs posted on the highway, but it could be easy to miss if you're not paying attention. All of the roads from the highway to the parking lot are gravel. Once you reach the parking lot, you pass over a skinny bridge over a creek and then it's a short 1/4 mile walk through a beautiful patch of timber with a tree canopy hanging overhead till you see the bridge. Since the highway has moved from its original location the bridge now sits in the middle of timber off by itself (which is great, because this is probably what saved it from being destroyed). The bridge is in fantastic shape --- take a walk through it, admire the construction, the crossing spans and the beautiful scenery :)

We went there in the fall, just to check it out since we were in the neighborhood. There's a nice walking trail there that we enjoyed. The woods had quite a few woodcocks in them that our dog found. That's a bird that you don't see very often in Missouri. It's interesting that Locust Creek has fairly drastically changed course since the bridge was built back in the 1800's. There aren't any stores or anything like that nearby, so make sure you have any supplies that you might need before you get there. The whole trail will take less than an hour if you keep moving.

It is just a very cool bridge one that I might do an oil painting of. I think many people need to check out what we have in our own back yards of Missouri. It is well worth a day trip!

A little out of the way, but worth a stop if you are in the area. There is no charge to see the bridge. From the parking lot, there is a 1/4 of a mile walk to the bridge. The path is covered with gravel so it is a pretty easy walk . Definitely can get some nice photos!

Perhaps not as an exciting an attraction as some, but a neat glimpse into the past. Well worth a short visit.

The bridge is photogenic. Access is a little challenging. There is signage to parking lot and bridge but you may lose faith. Have a map or GPS. Bridge is only about 1/4 mile from parking lot but out of sight from it. Cross pedestrian bridge from parking lot then stay on gravel road not trails into woods and you can't miss it.