Chain of Rocks MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chain of Rocks, Missouri.
1. Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 CROSSING
The Chain of Rocks Bridge spans the Mississippi River on the north edge of St. Louis and was a significant part of Route 66 history. Built in 1929 at a cost of $3 million, the bridge features a unique 22-degree bend in the middle and offers outstanding views of the Mississippi River. Now serving as a pedestrian and cycling path, the bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
2. Chain of Rocks Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL AREA
Chain of Rocks Park offers a picturesque setting overlooking the Mississippi River near the historic bridge. The park once served as a popular amusement area for visitors crossing the Chain of Rocks Bridge during its Route 66 heyday. Today, visitors can enjoy scenic views, walking trails, and a connection to the area's rich natural and cultural history.
3. Bellefontaine Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Bellefontaine Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery in St. Louis near the Chain of Rocks area. Established in 1849, the cemetery spans over 314 acres and serves as the final resting place for many prominent St. Louis citizens and historical figures. Its beautifully landscaped grounds feature impressive monuments, mausoleums, and arboretum-quality trees making it both a historical site and peaceful natural sanctuary.
4. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
EXPEDITION STARTING POINT
The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp Dubois, where the Corps of Discovery prepared for their westward expedition in 1803-1804. The interpretive center features exhibits about the expedition, including a full-scale replica of the keelboat used by Lewis and Clark. Visitors can explore the reconstructed camp and learn about the preparations for one of America's most famous journeys of exploration.
5. General Daniel Bissell House
FEDERAL PERIOD ARCHITECTURE
The General Daniel Bissell House is a significant historical home near the Chain of Rocks area in St. Louis. Built in 1819, this Federal-style house was the home of General Daniel Bissell, who served as a military commander during the early 19th century. The preserved home offers visitors insight into early American architecture and frontier life in the St. Louis region.
6. Chain of Rocks Water Treatment Plant
HISTORIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Chain of Rocks Water Treatment Plant is a historic water infrastructure facility that opened in 1894 after construction began in 1887. In 1915, it was expanded with a filter plant that was the largest of its kind in the world at the time of construction. The facility represents an important piece of St. Louis's industrial heritage and water management history.
7. Eagle Points Trail
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Eagle Points Trail offers visitors spectacular views of the Mississippi River near the Chain of Rocks Bridge. The trail is accessible from the Illinois side of the old bridge and connects to the broader Madison County Transit trail system. Hikers and cyclists can enjoy wildlife viewing, particularly bald eagles during winter months, along this scenic riverside path.
8. Madison County Transit Confluence Trail
EXTENSIVE BIKEWAY NETWORK
The Madison County Transit Confluence Trail is an extensive paved path system that connects to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. The trail network offers cyclists and pedestrians miles of scenic routes through the Mississippi River valley landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts can access multiple communities and natural areas while enjoying this well-maintained trail system.
9. Old Chain of Rocks Canal
HISTORIC NAVIGATION CHANNEL
The Old Chain of Rocks Canal was constructed to help boats navigate around the dangerous rocky rapids that gave the Chain of Rocks its name. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the canal provided a safe passage for river traffic that couldn't safely navigate the natural channel. Today, the canal area offers historical interest and opportunities for understanding Mississippi River transportation history.
10. Chouteau Island
MISSISSIPPI RIVER WILDERNESS
Chouteau Island is a natural area in the Mississippi River accessible near the Chain of Rocks Bridge. The island offers hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and a unique river ecosystem to explore. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Mississippi River landscape while enjoying views of the historic bridge and surrounding waterways.
11. North Riverfront Park
URBAN RIVERSIDE RECREATION
North Riverfront Park provides recreational opportunities along the Mississippi River near the Chain of Rocks area. The park features open spaces, river access points, and views of the industrial and natural landscape of the northern St. Louis riverfront. Visitors can enjoy fishing, walking paths, and observing river traffic on this important waterway.
12. Riverfront Trail
MISSISSIPPI SHORELINE PATH
The Riverfront Trail offers a paved pathway along the Mississippi River connecting downtown St. Louis to the Chain of Rocks Bridge. The 12-mile trail provides cyclists and pedestrians with scenic river views and access to multiple parks and natural areas. Trail users can observe the working river, industrial heritage sites, and natural habitats while traveling between key riverside destinations.
13. Fort Belle Fontaine Park
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Belle Fontaine Park preserves the site of the first U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River, established in 1805. Located near the Chain of Rocks area, the park features historic stone structures, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks of the Missouri River. Visitors can explore the remains of the Grand Staircase and other architectural features while learning about this important frontier military post.
14. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
RIVER CONFLUENCE PRESERVE
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is a 4,318-acre natural preserve located at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers near Chain of Rocks. The conservation area features wetlands, prairie, and forest habitats along with an observation platform offering views of the historic river junction. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking, fishing, and hunting in this diverse ecological area managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
15. Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge
MODERN RIVER CROSSING
The Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge carries Interstate 270 across the Chain of Rocks Canal near the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge. Built as part of the interstate highway system, this modern bridge serves as the primary crossing for vehicle traffic in the area. The bridge provides views of both the canal system created to bypass the rocky rapids and the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge nearby.