There’s a covered bridge in Princeton, Illinois that is the oldest in the state, and it’s amazing that it is still in working order. This incredible piece of architecture is a sight to see, and you won’t want to miss it. Have you already guessed that we’re talking about the Red Covered Bridge? It’s among the most famous landmarks in Illinois, and it’s also incredibly scenic. Scroll on for more details about the iconic Red Covered Bridge in Princeton, Illinois.
Situated in northern Illinois, the oldest of these historic bridges is known simply as Red Covered Bridge, and it was built in 1863.
Google/Dakota Johnson
More than 100 years later in 1975, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and remains a well-preserved bridge to this day.
Google/Laurie Pichla
Also the longest covered bridge in the state, it measures 149 feet from end to end, and it crosses Big Bureau Creek, which is not far from the bend in the Illinois River.
Google/Nai Choy Saephan
Red Covered Bridge in Illinois is open to vehicle traffic, meaning cars can drive through as many times as they wish. You can get a good look at the well-kept inside as you do.
Google/Steve Budde
The bridge is made from wood and stone and cost more than $3,000 to build in the mid-1800s. Today, that would cost about $90,000.
Wikimedia Commons/Kepper66
The views around the bridge are lovely at any time of the year as it is always pleasant to drive through this part of the state and countryside.
Wikimedia Commons/Kepper66
Red Covered Bridge is one the last of its kind in Illinois as well as the Midwest, so it is definitely worth a trip from any part of the state to enjoy this hidden piece of history.
Wikimedia Commons/Majnutl
If you’ve ever been through this historic covered bridge in Illinois, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below!
Google/Dakota Johnson
Google/Laurie Pichla
Google/Nai Choy Saephan
Google/Steve Budde
Wikimedia Commons/Kepper66
Wikimedia Commons/Majnutl
For more landmarks like the iconic Red Covered Bridge, check out these nine beautiful and historic covered bridges in Illinois.
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Address: Princeton, IL 61356, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Red Covered Bridge November 03, 2021 Beth C. Are there any other covered bridges in Illinois? Now that you’ve learned all about Red Covered Bridge in Illinois, you’re likely curious about some of the other noteworthy bridges in the state. You’ll be pleased to hear that there are a handful of picturesque covered bridges in Illinois that you can still visit today. These lovely structures will undeniably remind you of a simpler time. These destinations include Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge in Chester, Thompson Mill Covered Bridge in Cowden, Cumberland County Covered Bridge in Greenup, Amerock Covered Bridge in Rockford, Sugar Creek Covered Bridge in Glenarm, Lake of the Woods Covered Bridge in Mahomet, Young Covered Bridge in Boone County, and finally, Wolf Covered Bridge in Knoxville. How many of these historic covered bridges in Illinois have you visited? Does Illinois have any haunted bridges? Unfortunately, there are some bridges in Illinois with a dark and sinister past. One prime example is located in Coles County and is known as Airtight Bridge. Spanning the Embarras River, this 188-foot bridge was constructed in 1914. While the bridge was formerly known as a place for teens to hang out, the location took on a more sinister air when a dead body was found just 50 miles from the bridge. Since the discovery of the body, some truly bizarre and disturbing occurrences have happened at the bridge. For example, it’s not uncommon for vehicles to stall completely right before crossing over the bridge. Learn more about the haunting nature of Airtight Bridge in Illinois. What are the best hidden gems in Illinois? Illinois is filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! Some of our favorite recommendations include the Shawnee National Forest in Herod, Farnsworth House in Plano, the town of Arthur, Lake Shelbyville, Black Dog Smoke and Ale House in Urbana, David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, Cave-In-Rock, Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Tunnel Hill State Trail, and the town of Alton. How many of these hidden gems in Illinois have you experienced?
The OIYS Visitor Center
Red Covered Bridge
November 03, 2021
Beth C.
Are there any other covered bridges in Illinois? Now that you’ve learned all about Red Covered Bridge in Illinois, you’re likely curious about some of the other noteworthy bridges in the state. You’ll be pleased to hear that there are a handful of picturesque covered bridges in Illinois that you can still visit today. These lovely structures will undeniably remind you of a simpler time. These destinations include Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge in Chester, Thompson Mill Covered Bridge in Cowden, Cumberland County Covered Bridge in Greenup, Amerock Covered Bridge in Rockford, Sugar Creek Covered Bridge in Glenarm, Lake of the Woods Covered Bridge in Mahomet, Young Covered Bridge in Boone County, and finally, Wolf Covered Bridge in Knoxville. How many of these historic covered bridges in Illinois have you visited? Does Illinois have any haunted bridges? Unfortunately, there are some bridges in Illinois with a dark and sinister past. One prime example is located in Coles County and is known as Airtight Bridge. Spanning the Embarras River, this 188-foot bridge was constructed in 1914. While the bridge was formerly known as a place for teens to hang out, the location took on a more sinister air when a dead body was found just 50 miles from the bridge. Since the discovery of the body, some truly bizarre and disturbing occurrences have happened at the bridge. For example, it’s not uncommon for vehicles to stall completely right before crossing over the bridge. Learn more about the haunting nature of Airtight Bridge in Illinois. What are the best hidden gems in Illinois? Illinois is filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! Some of our favorite recommendations include the Shawnee National Forest in Herod, Farnsworth House in Plano, the town of Arthur, Lake Shelbyville, Black Dog Smoke and Ale House in Urbana, David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, Cave-In-Rock, Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Tunnel Hill State Trail, and the town of Alton. How many of these hidden gems in Illinois have you experienced?
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Now that you’ve learned all about Red Covered Bridge in Illinois, you’re likely curious about some of the other noteworthy bridges in the state. You’ll be pleased to hear that there are a handful of picturesque covered bridges in Illinois that you can still visit today. These lovely structures will undeniably remind you of a simpler time. These destinations include Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge in Chester, Thompson Mill Covered Bridge in Cowden, Cumberland County Covered Bridge in Greenup, Amerock Covered Bridge in Rockford, Sugar Creek Covered Bridge in Glenarm, Lake of the Woods Covered Bridge in Mahomet, Young Covered Bridge in Boone County, and finally, Wolf Covered Bridge in Knoxville. How many of these historic covered bridges in Illinois have you visited?
Does Illinois have any haunted bridges?
Unfortunately, there are some bridges in Illinois with a dark and sinister past. One prime example is located in Coles County and is known as Airtight Bridge. Spanning the Embarras River, this 188-foot bridge was constructed in 1914. While the bridge was formerly known as a place for teens to hang out, the location took on a more sinister air when a dead body was found just 50 miles from the bridge. Since the discovery of the body, some truly bizarre and disturbing occurrences have happened at the bridge. For example, it’s not uncommon for vehicles to stall completely right before crossing over the bridge. Learn more about the haunting nature of Airtight Bridge in Illinois.
What are the best hidden gems in Illinois?
Illinois is filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! Some of our favorite recommendations include the Shawnee National Forest in Herod, Farnsworth House in Plano, the town of Arthur, Lake Shelbyville, Black Dog Smoke and Ale House in Urbana, David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, Cave-In-Rock, Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Tunnel Hill State Trail, and the town of Alton. How many of these hidden gems in Illinois have you experienced?
