Chicago's skyline is a study in the development of architectural technology from the early 1870s to present day. Historic buildings snuggle in the shadows of sweeping skyscrapers in the heart of the city. The outlying suburbs shelter interesting architectural flair all their own, with historic homes and a few covered bridges hearkening back to yesteryear.
Just over an hour's drive northeast of the city's center you'll find Young Bridge in Caledonia. It was built in 1890 across Kinnikinnick Creek in a single span of 75 feet. The wood has long ago weathered to shades of gray but the Howe truss bridge still stands strong on private property where it was moved in 1971 to make way for progress. The bridge is visible from the public roadway at the southeast end of a driveway, and you can take a closer look with permission from the property owner.
Bring a picnic and visit Lockwood Park in Rockford, 80 miles northeast of downtown Chicago. The park lies among rolling meadows along Kent Creek and is home to a big red barn, farm outbuildings and the Amerock covered bridge. The bridge stretches 45 feet across the creek in a single span of Long truss architecture, painted red to match the barn and outbuildings. The bridge lies just off the west end of the parking lot near the park's horse arenas, toddler playground and garden plots. Cross through the bridge to visit the animal farm and playground for older children. Hiking and horse riding trails wind through natural areas on both sides of the bridge
A little closer to downtown, the Elim covered bridge is 20 miles due west of Chicago's city center. The bridge crosses Tinley Creek in a single 37-foot span in the park-like setting of the Elim Christian Services campus. The wooden bridge nestles beneath tall deciduous trees that make a picturesque backdrop in autumn. Walk over the bridge and linger to look out the open sides of the Long truss construction as the creek babbles along below. Pathways to the bridge are paved and accessible by wheelchair.
Just over 100 miles west of the city, Captain Swift Bridge crosses Big Bureau Creek 2 miles west of the Amtrak station. The 128-foot long by 28-foot wide wooden bridge was erected in 2006 using Burr arch construction. The bridge lies along County Road 1600 N in a scenic location surrounded by trees and steeply sloped banks popping with summer wildflowers. A parking lot on the river's east side allows you to stop and photograph the bridge, put a hook in the water or set off in a canoe.
