Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site preserves one of only four remaining covered bridges in Missouri — and the only one built using the Burr arch truss design. Spanning the Elk Fork of the Salt River in rural Monroe County, this 1871 bridge stands as a quiet testament to 19th-century craftsmanship and the ingenuity of early American engineering.

At just 1.24 acres, this is an intimate historic site rather than a sprawling park, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character. The single-lane wooden bridge stretches 125 feet across the river, its weathered timbers framing views of the surrounding countryside. It’s the kind of place that rewards a slow visit — bring a camera and take your time exploring the structure up close.

The site offers a short walking area around the bridge with interpretive signage explaining the bridge’s construction and history. It served daily traffic for over a century before being retired and preserved. Picnicking near the riverbank is a popular activity, and the Elk Fork draws occasional anglers.

There’s no camping on-site, so plan this as a day stop — it pairs well with a broader driving tour of northeast Missouri’s small towns and back roads. Spring and fall deliver the best conditions, with wildflowers framing the bridge in April and foliage creating a photographer’s dream in October.

Union Covered Bridge is a small detour with outsized charm — a piece of Missouri history you can walk right through.

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