Eads Bridge
Walk across the world's first steel-truss bridge, a historic marvel connecting St. Louis and Illinois with stunning river views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Eads Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk across the world's first steel-truss bridge, a historic marvel connecting St. Louis and Illinois with stunning river views.
"A true engineering breakthrough that happened right here in St. Louis."
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike Across
Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride connecting Gateway Arch National Park to Illinois. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Skyline
The bridge offers fantastic photo ops of the Gateway Arch and city. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Steel-Truss Marvel
Across the Mississippi River
Walk or bike across the world's first steel-truss bridge, a marvel of 19th-century engineering.
St. Louis Skyline Views
Mid-river
Enjoy panoramic views of the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline from this historic vantage point.
Missouri-Illinois State Line
Center of the bridge
Stand with one foot in Missouri and the other in Illinois at the marked state boundary.
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Planning Your Visit
Walk Across History
Best Time to Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike Across
Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride connecting Gateway Arch National Park to Illinois. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Skyline
The bridge offers fantastic photo ops of the Gateway Arch and city. :camerawithflash:
🧐 Learn the History
Discover the engineering feat of the first steel-truss bridge. :books:
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
Some sections of the walkway can be littered; stay aware. :warning:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike Across
Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride connecting Gateway Arch National Park to Illinois. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Skyline
The bridge offers fantastic photo ops of the Gateway Arch and city. :camerawithflash:
🧐 Learn the History
Discover the engineering feat of the first steel-truss bridge. :books:
⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings
Some sections of the walkway can be littered; stay aware. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Eads Bridge as an inspirational piece of engineering and an iconic St. Louis landmark. Its historical significance as the world's first steel-truss bridge and the stunning city skyline views are major draws. However, some reviewers note that the pedestrian walkway could benefit from better maintenance and cleaning.
"First steel-truss bridge in the United States that opened on July 4 1874. A true engineering breakthrough that happened right here in St. Louis. Most in the community thought it wasn't possible to achieve such an engineering feat. To convince the community of the effectiveness in the new bridge design, an elephant walked across the bridge to prove that it is of sound structure. It is still fully in use to this very day. Inspirational piece of engineering. A monument to humankind turning the impossible to possible."
Dan Quirk
"Iconic STL piece of history. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. You can walk/bike across the walkway from Gateway Arch National Park to the Casino Queen in East St Louis. Great view of the city skyline."
FFKDTP1
"Pretty cool old bridge. The state boundaries are marked on the bridge in the middle of the river. It's neat to walk across to get to the gateway arch. Removed one star due to how trashed the walkway is. It's covered in empty bottles, broken glass, cigarette butts, and graffiti. The window openings in the rock pillars that form the original ends of the bridge are bricked over, but holes are knocked through the brick in some areas. It generally just looks like it needs some cleaning up and repairs."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the Eads Bridge from Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, or from the Illinois side near the Casino Queen. It's easily reachable by car, public transport, or even as part of a run or bike route.
Parking is available at Gateway Arch National Park on the Missouri side, and there are options near the Casino Queen on the Illinois side. Consider public parking garages in downtown St. Louis as well.
Yes, there is a pedestrian walkway on the Eads Bridge, making it a popular spot for walks and bike rides.
The bridge is accessible via public transport routes that serve downtown St. Louis and East St. Louis. Check local transit schedules for specific lines.
Many visitors enjoy walking or biking across the bridge, taking in the views of the Mississippi River and the St. Louis skyline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking or biking across the Eads Bridge is free and open to the public.
The bridge is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific access points might have varying times, but the pedestrian walkway is typically open from dawn to dusk.
There is no admission fee to access and walk across the Eads Bridge.
While the bridge historically carried car traffic, the primary pedestrian walkway is the main way visitors experience it now. Some sections may still accommodate limited vehicle traffic.
Yes, the Eads Bridge is a permanent structure and is open year-round, weather permitting.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are mid-river for skyline views, the Missouri-Illinois state line marker, and from the riverfront parks on either side for a full bridge perspective.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local restrictions. Always check current rules before flying a drone near the bridge or Gateway Arch National Park.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire bridge and skyline. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod can help with low-light shots. :iphone:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography may require permits. Be mindful of other visitors.
🎫 🧐 Onsite Experience
You can walk or bike across, enjoy the views of the Mississippi River and St. Louis skyline, and learn about its historical significance as the first steel-truss bridge.
The bridge is generally safe for families, but it's important to supervise children, especially near the edges. Be aware of your surroundings.
Walking across the Eads Bridge typically takes about 15-20 minutes one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
Completed in 1874, it was the first steel-truss bridge in the world and a major engineering feat. An elephant famously walked across it to prove its stability.
Restrooms are available at Gateway Arch National Park on the Missouri side and near the Casino Queen on the Illinois side.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting your walk from Gateway Arch National Park, allowing kids to explore the park before or after their bridge adventure. The views are engaging, and the sheer scale of the bridge can spark curiosity about how it was built.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk through Gateway Arch National Park or explore the riverfront areas on either side for a full day of free sightseeing. It's a perfect example of how to experience a city's landmarks affordably.
🏃♀️ Runners and Cyclists
Be aware that the surface can be uneven in places, and during peak times, you might encounter other pedestrians. Early mornings are ideal for a clear path and cooler temperatures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Eads Bridge
This iconic landmark is not just a functional crossing but a symbol of human ingenuity and perseverance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its immense historical and architectural significance. The bridge's innovative use of steel and its impressive arches allowed for a much longer span than previously possible, paving the way for future large-scale bridge projects worldwide.
Today, the Eads Bridge continues to serve as a vital transportation link, carrying both vehicular and light commuter rail traffic, alongside its popular pedestrian walkway. Visitors can walk or bike across, experiencing firsthand the scale and grandeur of this historic structure while enjoying unparalleled views of the St. Louis skyline and the Mississippi River.
+1Experiencing Eads Bridge: Views and Activities
As you traverse the bridge, you'll reach the Missouri-Illinois state line, marked in the middle of the river. This is a fun spot for photos, allowing you to literally stand in two states at once. The bridge connects directly to Gateway Arch National Park on the Missouri side, making it a convenient addition to a visit to the Arch. On the Illinois side, it leads towards the Casino Queen and Laclede's Landing area, which historically was a vibrant entertainment district.
While the bridge itself is a historical marvel, some visitors have noted that the walkway can sometimes be littered with debris, including empty bottles and graffiti. Despite this, the overall experience of walking across this historic engineering feat and enjoying the scenic vistas remains a highlight for many visitors.
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