While we were gone on our little fall getaway a few weeks ago, one of the stops we made was at Locust Creek Covered Bridge. Located in Laclede in the north central portion of MO, this structure spans 151 feet which makes it the longest of the four remaining. At one point, there had been 30. Since our visit, we are now able to claim to have seen all of them in our state.
I believe most of us feel that covered bridges represent a simpler time in life. Built in 1868, it covered what was eventually known as route 8 which was a part of the first transcontinental road (Pike's Peak Ocean to Ocean Highway) that ran from San Francisco to New York City. That portion is now known as highway 36. A ranger from the park system said that when Locust Creek Covered Bridge was completed, the town hung lights and hosted a dance on the bridge platform!
It is a lovely setting. To gain access to the parking lot on the grounds, it is necessary to travel a long and dusty gravel road. Once parked, visitors cross a small stream via a wooden footbridge and walk a 1/4 mile through the picturesque woods. While the trail to the bridge is on flat ground, it is uneven due to frequent flooding. The ranger told us that the stream can spill its banks in a very short period of time, so we were pleased to have been there on a sunny day. 😉
Locust Creek Covered Bridge was built of white pine with the Howe truss system.
If you enjoy glimpses into the past, you may find it pleasant to visit some of MO's covered bridges. Most offer story boards to help you appreciate their history. You may recall my post about a different bridge back in September (click here to revisit it; there is an embedded link within that post which will allow you to read about the other two covered bridges).
I hope your day was a good one!