Thompson Mill Covered Bridge spans Kaskaskia River in Illinois, in Shelby County. Built in 1868, the bridge features howe construction, it represents the craftsmanship of its era.

Covered bridges like this one were built with roofs and siding not for the comfort of travelers but to protect the load-bearing timber trusses from rain and snow. Without this protection, exposed wooden bridges typically lasted only ten to fifteen years, while covered bridges could stand for a century or more with proper maintenance.

The bridge stands in Illinois, where covered bridges served as essential transportation links for rural communities before the advent of modern road building.

Visitors can typically view and photograph the bridge year-round from nearby roads and paths. Fall foliage season provides an especially picturesque setting, when the surrounding hardwood forests frame the weathered timbers in brilliant color. Many covered bridge enthusiasts plan driving tours connecting multiple bridges in a single region, making these structures ideal waypoints for a day of scenic exploration.

Explore Nearby

• Hidden Springs State Forest — State Park in Illinois
• Wolf Creek State Park — State Park in Illinois
• Gillespie Lake — Public Land in Alaska
• Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route — Scenic Byway in Illinois
• Middle Fork River Forest Preserve — Dark Sky Site in Illinois