Red Covered Bridge

The wooden Red Covered Bridge extends 149 feet across Big Bureau Creek, featuring traditional timber truss construction and protective red-painted exterior walls.

Constructed in 1863 for $3,148.57, this bridge served as a critical connection point along the Peoria-Galena Trail for transportation of goods and people.

The bridge regulations from its early days included specific fines for driving more than 12 horses or cattle at once across the structure.

Located 2 miles north of Princeton off Illinois Route 26 on Old Dad Joe Trail, the bridge remains open for vehicle traffic with security cameras.

This structure stands as one of only five remaining covered bridges in Illinois and continues to handle an average of 275 vehicles daily.

Location: Dover Township

Inception: 1863

GPS coordinates: 41.41639,-89.47842

Latest update: November 28, 2025 14:29