Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site preserves one of Missouri’s most remarkable pieces of transportation history — the longest surviving covered bridge in the state. Built in 1868, this 151-foot Howe truss bridge once carried traffic across Locust Creek and now stands as the only remaining covered bridge of its kind in Missouri, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spread across 32.22 acres in rural Linn County, this small but meaningful historic site offers visitors a chance to step back into post-Civil War Missouri. The bridge itself is the centerpiece, its weathered timber framing and distinctive covered design a testament to 19th-century engineering. An interpretive trail leads visitors to the bridge with signage explaining its construction and the role covered bridges played in westward expansion.

The surrounding grounds provide a peaceful setting for picnicking, photography, and quiet reflection along the creek. Birdwatchers will find the riparian habitat along Locust Creek rewarding, particularly during spring and fall migrations. The site is compact enough for a focused hour-long visit, making it an excellent stop when paired with nearby Pershing State Park or the town of Meadville.

Spring and fall deliver the most photogenic conditions — wildflowers frame the bridge in April and May, while autumn foliage transforms the site in October. Summer visits are pleasant but bring humidity typical of northern Missouri.

Camping is not available on-site, but nearby Pershing State Park offers developed campground facilities just a short drive away. No entrance fee is required.

Explore Nearby

• Mark Twain National Forest — National Forest in Missouri
• Union Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Sandy Creek Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Thousand Hills State Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri
• Stacy Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri