Chain Of Rocks Park

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Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Chain of Rocks Park is a scenic park located in St.


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Summary

Louis, Missouri, known for its unique bridge and stunning views of the Mississippi River. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including its history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. One of the main attractions of Chain of Rocks Park is the famous Chain of Rocks Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River and features a 22-degree turn in the middle. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the river and surrounding area.

Other points of interest at the park include the scenic overlooks, picnic areas, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, blue herons, and deer.

Interesting facts about Chain of Rocks Park include its role as a historic landmark in the Civil Rights Movement, as it was the site of a peaceful protest march in 1966. The park also has ties to the famous Route 66, as it was a popular stop for travelers on the historic highway.

The best time of year to visit Chain of Rocks Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round and offers different activities and scenery throughout the seasons.

Overall, Chain of Rocks Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting St. Louis. Its unique bridge, natural beauty, and rich history make it a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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