Six covered bridges remain in Madison County, five of them in their original locations. Together with museums, historic buildings, and trails through forests and prairie, they offer a range of options for a trip. Those interested in construction history will find plenty to explore, as will travelers looking to combine a visit with experiences in nature.
Covered Bridges and Their History
The covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa, were built between 1868 and 1889. Four bridges have nearly flat roofs. This design feature, used by bridge builder Harvey P. Jones, is now considered unique in the United States. The Holliwell Covered Bridge is the longest of the six surviving bridges, with a span of 110 feet; the Imes Covered Bridge is the oldest. The Roseman Covered Bridge still stands at its original location and appeared in the 1994 film “The Bridges of Madison County.”
The bridges also differ in terms of vehicle traffic: Cedar Bridge is the only surviving covered bridge open to vehicles. Observe the posted height restrictions there. More than 82 miles long, the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway focuses on the bridges of Madison County as well as scenic natural areas, historic sites, and cultural attractions. The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival takes place every year on the second full weekend in October; check the annual dates before your trip.
Forest, Prairie, and Waterside Trails
In 350-acre Pammel Park, the distinctive limestone ridge is known as the “Backbone.” Nearly five miles of trails wind through the wooded areas. There is also access for canoes and kayaks on the west bank of the Middle River; check current water conditions before using it.
The Middle River Water Trail stretches about 45 river miles and ends at the historic Holliwell Covered Bridge, about 3½ miles southeast of Winterset. Check route information in advance. The Hanson Prairie Preserve offers a different landscape: The 30-acre tallgrass prairie can be explored on foot via trails around the prairie. Middle River Park offers access to the river, a paved trail network, and picnic and shelter facilities.
Museums and Historic Sites
The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the actor’s life and career. The birthplace has been restored to reflect its appearance in 1907. The Iowa Quilt Museum displays quilts and information about the history of quilting; its exhibits change every few months.
The Madison County Historical Complex comprises 14 buildings on 23 acres. Its most notable building is the Bevington-Kaser House, built in 1856. The complex also has a moderate nine-hole disc golf course; bring your own equipment. The Madison County Courthouse has been listed twice in the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can see the ground floor and the military memorials mounted on its walls on weekdays year-round. Confirm access with the site in advance.
The North River Stone Schoolhouse was built in 1874 from local limestone and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The exterior can be viewed without an appointment; a prior appointment with the Madison County Historical Complex is required to see the interior. Check appointment arrangements in advance. The grounds and cemetery of St. Patrick’s Irish Settlement & Catholic Church are open to visitors year-round; check local conditions. The Iowa Theater was completely restored from 2015 to 2017 and then reopened. It operates as a nonprofit, multi-use cinema and events center; programming may change.
Planning Your Stay
For getting around Winterset: US Highway 169 and Iowa Highway 92 intersect there. Interstate 80 and Interstate 35 are reachable from Winterset within 15 minutes. The attractions offer different points of interest, from bridge construction and regional history to trails through forests and prairie. Choose according to which of these topics you would like to explore during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Winterset, Wapello, Floyd County, Black Hawk, Decatur County, Osceola County, Hamilton County, Kossuth County
For the main travel overview: Iowa.
