Hop in the Car and Visit All 4 of Missouri’s Covered Bridges in One Day

Let's go on a day trip today, Missouri! We've got so many enchanting places to explore in Missouri that deciding where to go next can be quite the challenge. While we can't go wrong with a road trip in Missouri, sometimes we just don't have the time to get away. That's when a day trip is perfect. A day trip to the covered bridges in Missouri, for example, offers a glimpse into the state's rich past, making them an ideal day-trip destination.

Only four covered bridges remain in Missouri, all within 334 miles. The day trip tallies, without taking stops and traffic into consideration, nearly 6 hours. You may even want to make it an overnight if you're not up for that much driving in one day. The itinerary makes either the perfect day trip or one of the most unique road trips in Missouri.

1. Locust Creek Covered Bridge, Laclede (Now at Pershing State Park)

Measuring 151 feet, Locust Creek Covered Bridge earns the distinction as the longest of Missouri’s four remaining covered bridges. Built in 1868, it was once a vital link in one of the nation’s earliest transcontinental roads. This historic structure is a marvel of the Howe-truss system—a design patented by William Howe that used vertical iron rods to pull diagonal white pine timbers tight.

Important Note for Travelers: The bridge has recently been moved to the day-use area within Pershing State Park to protect it from the elements and flooding. While the bridge is now in its new home, it remains temporarily closed to foot traffic while the new approach ramps are being constructed. You can still admire the classic arched entrances and historic craftsmanship from the surrounding day-use area.

Check out the official website of Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site for more information.

2. Union Covered Bridge, Paris

Our next stop takes us to Union Covered Bridge in Monroe County near Paris. The historic covered bridge, which opened in 1871, sits in Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site. It is the lone Burr Arch Truss-style bridge remaining in Missouri. This design, which integrates an arch into the truss framework for added strength, is a beautiful example of 19th-century engineering.

Head over to the official website of Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site for more details.

3. Sandy Creek Covered Bridge, Hillsboro

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge provides an idyllic backdrop for a leisurely picnic by the nearby creek (especially if you're visiting during the warmer months). You'll have a short, 0.02-mile walk to the covered bridge that opened in 1872. Stroll across the covered bridge—where vehicles are no longer permitted—to take photos of the vibrant red timbers against the Missouri greenery.

Stop by the official website of Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site to learn more.

4. Burfordville Covered Bridge, Burfordville

The oldest covered bridge in Missouri—Burfordville Covered Bridge—is our final stop. Construction began on this historic bridge in 1858, though it wasn't fully completed until after the Civil War. Back in its heyday, the covered bridge protected travelers and horse-drawn carriages from the elements. Today, you can walk through the bridge and then take a tour of the adjacent Bollinger Mill, where the massive water-powered wheels still stand.

Visit the official website of Bollinger Mill State Historic Site for further information.

If you had previously wondered how many covered bridges are in Missouri, you can now wow your friends with your knowledge of state history. To make your covered bridges road trip extra special, how about renting an RV from RVShare?

Have you ever been to any of Missouri’s covered bridges? Are there any covered bridges near you? Let us know by filling out our nomination form! You can also start planning your next journey with Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.