These 4 Majestic Covered Bridges in Missouri Are Stunningly Picturesque

Missouri contains a surprising amount of picturesque locations, from its rolling plains to the Ozark Mountains. In the past, an estimated 30 covered bridges carried travelers across Missouri’s rivers, creeks, and streams.

Today only four of these bridges remain. Each of them is listed as a State Historic Site and protected by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These four stunningly picturesque historic bridges in Missouri date all the way back to the 19th century.

1. Burfordville Covered Bridge

The Burfordville Covered Bridge is the oldest surviving covered bridge in Missouri, constructed by Joseph Lansmon in 1858. The bridge served an important role, allowing farmers to drive wagonloads of grain destined for the mill across the Whitewater River in the post-Civil War era, according to Missouri State Parks.

This bridge is an example of Howe-truss construction which utilizes verticle iron rods to draw the diagonal wooden members in compression against the top and bottom of the truss. The bridge itself consists of mostly yellow poplar.

The Burfordville Covered Bridge previously utilized a toll-road system. At the time, private businesses frequently owned and operated toll roads. By 1906, farmers grew tired of waiting for courts to abolish the toll on the Burfordville Covered Bridge and broke down the gates themselves.

Restoration

The Burfordville Covered Bridge has undergone a number of restoration projects. By the 20th century, the bridge had fallen into disrepair, with missing siding and a partially collapsed roof. In 1908 a contractor repaired the bridge for $390. In 1950 the highway commission again restored the bridge and added a metal roof.

By 1967 the Missouri State Park Board took possession of the Burfordville Covered Bridge in order to repair and preserve it. The most extensive repairs took place in 1998. During this time, lower truss timbers, support timbers, and verticle iron rods were replaced, as well as some damaged siding.

Location

The Burfordville Covered Bridge is a part of the Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. It is located in Burford Missouri in Cape Girardeau County.

The state-owned property preserves both the covered bridge and a mill that was completed in 1867. This four-story mill was used to grind wheat and corn into flour and meal.

Today visitors can learn about the mill’s history or stroll the the Burfordville Covered Bridge. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site is also a popular picnic spot and a beautiful place to enjoy nature along the Whitewater River.

2. Locust Creek Covered Bridge

The Locust Creek Covered Bridge is the longest of the four covered bridges in Missouri, spanning 151 feet (46 m). Like the Burfordville Covered Bridge, the Locust Creek Covered Bridge is also a Howe-truss bridge, this time constructed with white pine, according to Missouri State Parks.

The bridge also features arched entrances with ramps on both ends. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

The Locust Creek Covered Bridge dates back to 1868 when it carried passengers over Locust Creek. After World War II, the course of Locust Creek changed, so the bridge no longer sits above a body of water. The bridge also once carried Route 8 — the nation’s first transcontinental highway, according to Visit Missouri.

Location

The Locust Creek Covered Bridge is located about three miles east of Meadville, MO. in Linn County in the northern portion of the state. The bridge area is formally known as Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site and is managed by Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site.

To find the bridge, follow Route 36, 3 miles west of Laclede. Head north on Danube Drive for 1 mile, then east on Dart Road.

3. Sandy Creek Covered Bridge

The Sandy Creek Covered Bridge is the final entry on this list built using the Howe-truss design. The bridge dates back to 1872 when it was constructed by John H. Morse as a part of a countrywide building program, according to Missouri State Parks.

The main purpose behind covering bridges was to protect the iron and timber trusses from the weather. The covering also strengthened the bridge and served as shelter from the elements for riders in uncovered buggies and carriages.

Restoration

As its name suggests, Sandy Creek Covered Bridge took passengers across Sandy Creek. After a flood in 1886 destroyed the bridge, Henry Steffin took up the challenge of rebuilding it to the original specifications and approximate configurations. Steffin even used some of the original timbers and abutments from the first bridge

In 1967, Sandy Creek Covered Bridge was one of the few remaining covered bridges that the Missouri State Park Board took possession of in order to repair and preserve. The bridge underwent extensive restorations following another flood in 1984.

Location

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge is located in Hillsboro, MO in Jefferson County. The bridge lies on the east side of the state, about 34 miles from St. Louis. It belongs to the 211.78-acre Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site.

The bridge is open to pedestrian traffic and contains an outdoor interpretive display educating visitors on its history. The scenic area is an ideal spot for picnicking, painting, and photography.

4. Union Covered Bridge

The final bridge on this list is the Union Covered Bridge. This historic structure dates back to 1871 when it replaced an older uncovered bridge taking travelers across the Elk Fork of the Salt River, according to the Society of Architectural Historians. The bridge stretches a grand total of 120 feet.

Joseph C. Elliott took on construction of the Union Covered Bridge using the Burr Truss design. This method utilizes double arches and a multiple kingpost truss design.

Like previous bridges on this list, the covering served to prevent moisture from damaging the joints where timber beams intersected. Elliott also chose to cover the bridge in a narrow clapboard rather than a verticle board in order to better expel moisture.

Restoration

In 1967, when the Missouri State Park Board took possession of the state’s remaining covered bridges, five of these structures remained. Unfortunately, a flood destroyed the Mexico Covered Bridge later that year.

However, in some ways this covered bridge lives on. When the Union Covered Bridge underwent restorations in 1968, timbers from the Mexico Covered Bridge were reportedly used to repair it. Union Covered Bridge was again restored in 1988.

Location

The Union Covered Bridge is located in Monroe County, west of the small city of Paris, MO. The covered bridge lies within central Missouri, around 40 miles from Columbia.

Mark Twain State Park Manages the Union Covered Bridge Historic Site. Visitors to the area can enjoy a short and easy 0.1-mile walk to the covered bridge.

According to All Trails, the route takes an average of two minutes to complete and is great for walking, running, or taking your dog for a stroll. The site also contains a spot for donations and picnic tables.

Summary of 4 Majestic Covered Bridges in Missouri