Museums
History BuffJohn Wayne Birthplace & Museum
Under $25The restored 1907 birth home and museum of actor John Wayne, with film memorabilia and archives.
SightseeingIconicLocal Gem
Madison County
Madison County is a sightseeing stop in Winterset, IA. Cost: free.
73 E Jefferson St · Winterset, IA
Why you should go…
Madison County, Iowa, anchored by the town of Winterset, is known for six historic covered bridges, including the Holliwell and Roseman bridges featured in The Bridges of Madison County. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce operates a Welcome Center and Gift Shop in Winterset offering maps, brochures, and guided tour information. The county hosts an annual Covered Bridge Festival and promotes local history, arts, dining, and shopping.
- #covered bridges
- #history
- #scenic
- #county
What's around here?
The closest stops to Madison County, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums
- SightseeingHistory Buff
Roseman Covered Bridge
FreeWalk through the 1883 covered bridge over the Middle River made famous by The Bridges of Madison County.
7.7 mi awayMore like this
- MuseumsFamily Favorite
Living History Farms
Under $25Ride a tractor cart between working farms of 1700, 1850 and 1900 and walk the shops of an 1876 prairie town.
23 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
- SightseeingDate Night
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
FreeStroll 4.4 downtown acres of large outdoor sculpture, including Jaume Plensa's 27-foot figure made of letters.
26 mi awayMore like this
- SightseeingHistory Buff
Iowa State Capitol
FreeTour a five-domed statehouse topped in 23-karat gold, with 29 kinds of marble and a law library ringed by four stories of balconies.
28 mi awayMore like this
- AttractionsFamily Favorite
Adventureland
$50+Ride seven roller coasters, including the 101-degree drop of the Monster, and cool off at the Adventure Bay water park.
35 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
