If you’re road-tripping Route 66 and find yourself in the mysteriously named Devils Elbow, Missouri, you’ve got to stop and check out the famous Devil’s Elbow Bridge. This isn’t just any old bridge—it’s a piece of Route 66 history with a name straight out of a horror movie (but don’t worry, there are no pitchfork-wielding demons here).
Legend has it that way back when, the nearby Big Piney River had a particularly gnarly bend that frustrated the local loggers. They said it was a “devil of an elbow” to navigate. And just like that, the town and its famous bridge were born.
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Built in 1923, this steel truss bridge is a Route 66 classic, spanning 588 feet over the Big Piney River. The Devil’s Elbow Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the few remaining original bridges on Route 66, making it a must-see for road trip junkies and history buffs alike.
The Devil’s Elbow Bridge is far from spooky. It’s a charming slice of history tucked into the Missouri landscape, just waiting for you to drive over it. So next time you’re cruising along Route 66, make sure to pull over and enjoy this devilishly delightful stop.
Photos of Devil’s Elbow Bridge in Devils Elbow, Missouri
