Matthiessen State Park Bridge 2
NBI Information
Location
State: Illinois
County: La Salle County
Feature Carried: Pedestrian Path
Feature Crossed: Deer Creek Gorge
Latitude, Longitude: 41.2970,-89.0275
Structure Open, Posted, or Closed to Traffic: Open to Pedestrians
History
Year Built: Unknown
Picture Date: September 8, 2025
Geometry
Lanes on Structure: 1
Lanes under Structure: 0
Number of Main Spans: 1
Main Structure Type: Arch - Deck
Main Structure Material: Concrete
Condition
Bridge is not on the National Bridge Inventory
Bridge Information
Matthiessen State Park features several graceful concrete arched bridges that connect trails through its canyons. The property was originally owned by Frederick William Matthiessen, who built some of the structures. The land was donated to the state upon his death in 1918 and was turned into the State Park.
It is unknown when this bridge was built, but it is a majestic concrete arch bridge that crosses directly over a waterfall. This bridge is the least ornamented and the widest bridge in the park, which indicates that it may have originally been designed to carry vehicular traffic. Unfortunately, the bridge has not been well maintained and shows significant deterioration.
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