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Madison County, Winterset, IA
SightseeingIconicLocal Gem

Madison County

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

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

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.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    John Wayne Birthplace & Museum

    Under $25

    The restored 1907 birth home and museum of actor John Wayne, with film memorabilia and archives.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Roseman Covered Bridge

    Free

    Walk through the 1883 covered bridge over the Middle River made famous by The Bridges of Madison County.

    7.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Living History Farms

    Under $25

    Ride 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

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    Pappajohn Sculpture Park

    Free

    Stroll 4.4 downtown acres of large outdoor sculpture, including Jaume Plensa's 27-foot figure made of letters.

    26 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Iowa State Capitol

    Free

    Tour 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

  • Attractions
    Family 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