Granite City, Illinois: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

A must stop on our Rt 66 trip. Did it on our BMW R1150GS, bike was loaded down, never got out of sight of it either, not the safest area, get out before dark!!

For you movie buffs, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was used to film the escape portion at the end of "Escape from New York." Much of the film was shot in St. Louis.

Historic Route 66 bridge, has deep curve, 30 degree angle, to allow for channel waterway traffic. It was built in 1925, closed to car traffic in 1965, and partially restored by Trailnet.org in 1999. There is parking on both sides -- bridge is open to pedestrians, and bicyclist only. The bridge is precisely one mile long. Seating is provided at various locations on the bridge.

The Chain of Rocks Bridge is part of old Route 66, crossing the Mississippi River from St. Louis, MO to Alton, IL. When I was a kid, this bridge was still drivable and very scary, because it is so skinny and curvy. Now it's a walking and biking bridge with connecting trails on both sides by Trailnet. Bridge is 1 mile long with special Route 66 memorabilia, picnic tables and benches.

Once a year they allow old cars to use it in parade fashion. Beautiful view of the city and arch. There are also two incredible ornate castles south in the water that used to be water pumps or something.