Mary's River Covered Bridge

Mary's River Covered Bridge is a wooden structure in Randolph County that spans the Little Mary's River using a Burr truss design. The crossing measures approximately 86 feet in length and sits northeast of Chester along Illinois Route 150.

The bridge was built in 1854 as part of a toll road connecting Chester to Bremen and transporting crops to Mississippi River ports. It has been protected by the State of Illinois since 1936.

The bridge represents how rural areas were connected during the 1800s and the role these structures played in local life. Visitors can see today how the wooden crossing linked a community to the wider region.

The bridge sits in a designated park area and is easily accessible from Illinois Route 150. Visitors should note that ground conditions around the site vary by season.

This is the only surviving covered bridge in Southern Illinois and retains its original wooden construction from the 1850s. This rarity makes it a significant example of this building style in the region.

Location: Randolph County

Inception: 1854

GPS coordinates: 37.94861,-89.76583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02