Brandon Road Lock and Dam Historic District
Historic lock and dam on the Fox River, offering views of barge traffic and a scenic bridge crossing. Site of environmental discussions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bridge openings are infrequent
Brandon Road Lock and Dam Historic District
Best Time
Bridge openings are infrequent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lock and dam on the Fox River, offering views of barge traffic and a scenic bridge crossing. Site of environmental discussions.
"Interesting area to watch barges go through the locks. Wish they could keep Brandon road open!"
Check Bridge Status
No signs or online schedules for bridge openings. Be prepared for waits or check local traffic apps. 🚦
Keep it Clean
Enjoy fishing, but please help keep the area tidy for everyone. ✨
Quick Facts
Rating
4 · 39 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brandon Road Bridge
Across the Fox River
Watch barges navigate the locks and experience a unique river crossing. Bridge openings are infrequent but can be a quick spectacle.
Fox River Locks
Brandon Road Lock and Dam
Observe the fascinating process of barges moving through the historic lock system. A glimpse into industrial river transport.
Fishing Spots
Along the riverbanks
Enjoy fishing in the Fox River. While a popular activity, visitors encourage keeping the area clean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Opening Schedules
Environmental Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Afternoon on the Des Plaines River
I have been researching points along the Des Plaines River. The launches marked "verified" I have visited and/or actually used. Russell Road 0 verified Forest Preserve Bridge 2.10 Rosecrans Road - Illinois 173 2.29 Wadsworth Road Boat Landing 5.96 verified Des…
Check Bridge Status
No signs or online schedules for bridge openings. Be prepared for waits or check local traffic apps. 🚦
Keep it Clean
Enjoy fishing, but please help keep the area tidy for everyone. ✨
Fox River dam removal
Hey all, Just seeing what people's thoughts are on the pending plans to remove all dams along the fox river below the chain of lakes lock. Personally, I think it would be great to remove these safety hazards that serve to benefit endangered species and cause pollution…
Found this rock that looks like a bright red piece of filet mignon, anybody know what’s going on here?
For context, this rock was along the shoreline of a dam on the des plaines river in Illinois. It’s a fairly dirty river, lots of stuff being thrown in from Chicago and such. My guess is some sort of bacteria, but it’s definitley unique
Scenic River Route
The bridge offers a pretty, less-traveled route across the Fox River. :camerawithflash:
Watch the Barges
An interesting spot to see barges moving through the locks. 🚢
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Bridge Status
No signs or online schedules for bridge openings. Be prepared for waits or check local traffic apps. 🚦
Keep it Clean
Enjoy fishing, but please help keep the area tidy for everyone. ✨
Scenic River Route
The bridge offers a pretty, less-traveled route across the Fox River. :camerawithflash:
Watch the Barges
An interesting spot to see barges moving through the locks. 🚢
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Brandon Road Lock and Dam area pretty and interesting, particularly for watching barges navigate the locks. The bridge offers a scenic, less-trafficked route, though its infrequent and unadvertised openings can cause significant delays. Fishing is a popular activity, but there's a call for better upkeep of the area.
"It would be nice to know if this Bridges ever open but I don’t ever see anything posted anywhere there’s no signs so I’ve wasted hours of driving recently. It’s the only way home from work that is less than an hour long. It only takes 20 minutes, but you think they would be a resource or maybe Google if it’s open or not and it would tell you, but it doesn’t garbage"
Thomas Bandringa
"Great place to fish just wish people would help keep it clean"
jim bob
"It's pretty. A nice back route across the river. Waiting for the bridge to open was about 5 minutes once around 9 pm. I preferred it, I hope most don't."
Ann J.M.S. Harlan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Brandon Road Lock and Dam is accessible by car. It serves as a bridge crossing the Fox River, offering a scenic route. Be aware that bridge opening schedules are not consistently posted, so plan your travel accordingly.
Information on public transportation directly to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam is limited. It's primarily accessed by private vehicle, especially if you intend to use the bridge as a crossing.
The Brandon Road Bridge itself is considered a 'back route' that can be quicker than other options, depending on traffic. However, its infrequent openings can cause delays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for accessing the Brandon Road Lock and Dam area or using the bridge. It appears to be a public access point.
Specific operating hours for the lock and dam are not readily available. The bridge has been observed to open around 9 PM, but this is not a guaranteed schedule.
No tickets are required to observe the barges passing through the Brandon Road Lock and Dam. It's a public area where you can watch the industrial activity.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can watch barges navigate the locks, cross the bridge for a scenic view, and enjoy fishing along the riverbanks. Visitors note the area is pretty and interesting.
Yes, the area offers interesting photographic opportunities, especially of the barges and the lock system. The bridge itself is also a notable feature.
Information regarding specific facilities like restrooms at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam is not widely available. It's advisable to come prepared.
There are ongoing discussions and plans for dam removal on the Fox River to improve ecological health, reduce pollution, and benefit endangered species.
🎫 🎣 Fishing
The riverbanks along the Fox River near the lock and dam are popular spots for fishing. Visitors have found it to be a great place to cast a line.
While specific regulations for the immediate area aren't detailed, standard Illinois fishing licenses and regulations would apply. It's always best to check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for current rules.
The Fox River is known to support a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, catfish, and panfish. Your catch will depend on the season and specific location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit