Madison County: Covered Bridges, Nature, and History

Madison County combines an unusual bridge landscape with river trails, prairie, museums, and historic sites. Six preserved covered bridges are especially characteristic, five of which remain in their original form. Those planning a trip with culture, scenery, and a variety of day-trip destinations will find many specific points of reference here when choosing a suitable vacation rental.

Covered Bridges as the Common Thread of the Trip

The Covered Bridges of Madison County were built between 1868 and 1889. Four of them have nearly flat roofs—an architectural feature used by bridge builder Harvey P. Jones that is now considered unique in the United States. With a span of 110 feet, the Holliwell Covered Bridge is the longest of the six preserved bridges. The Roseman Covered Bridge remains at its original location and was featured in the 1994 film “The Bridges of Madison County.” The Imes Covered Bridge is the oldest of the preserved bridges.

For a drive through the landscape, the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway is a good option. The more than 82-mile route focuses on the covered bridges of Madison County as well as scenic natural areas, historic sites, and cultural sites. An important distinction for planning: Cedar Bridge is the only one of the preserved covered bridges in Madison County that is open to vehicle traffic. When preparing your excursions, this allows you to distinguish more precisely between a scenic loop drive and individual sightseeing destinations.

River, Forest, and Prairie

Madison County also offers various ways to experience the landscape away from the bridges. The Middle River Water Trail extends for approximately 45 river miles and ends at the historic Holliwell Covered Bridge, about 3½ miles southeast of Winterset. Pammel Park encompasses 350 acres of landscape. Its distinctive limestone ridge is known as the “Backbone”; almost five miles of hiking trails run through the wooded areas. There is also access for canoes and kayaks on the west bank of Middle River at Ford.

Other destinations are available for shorter or differently focused nature experiences. Winterset City Park includes an English maze made of living hedges. Visitors can also climb the two stories of Clark Tower and view the Middle River Valley from the top. The tower itself is a 25-foot-high limestone monument erected by the sons of Caleb and Ruth Clark in their honor. Hanson Prairie Preserve encompasses 30 acres of tallgrass prairie, with trails around the prairie that can be explored on foot. Middle River Park provides access to Middle River, a paved trail network, and picnic and shelter facilities.

Museums and Historic Sites

The cultural offerings range from regional history to famous personalities. The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the life and career of actor John Wayne. His birthplace was restored to reflect its appearance in 1907. At the Iowa Quilt Museum, you can see quilts and learn about the history of quilting; the exhibition changes every few months.

The Madison County Historical Complex encompasses 14 buildings on 23 acres. Notable features include the Bevington-Kaser House, built in 1856. The grounds also include a moderately challenging nine-hole disc golf course. The Madison County Courthouse has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places twice. Visitors can tour the ground floor and the military memorials mounted on its walls year-round on weekdays.

Other historic stops focus on different themes. The North River Stone Schoolhouse was built in 1874 from locally sourced limestone and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The exterior can be viewed without an appointment; viewing the interior requires arranging an appointment in advance with the Madison County Historical Complex. The grounds and cemetery of St. Patrick's Irish Settlement & Catholic Church can be visited year-round. The Iowa Theater was completely restored from 2015 to 2017 and subsequently reopened. It operates as a nonprofit, versatile cinema and event center.

Winterset as a Reference Point for Finding Accommodation

Winterset is located at the intersection of US Highway 169 and Iowa Highway 92. Interstate 80 and Interstate 35 can be reached within 15 minutes. This transportation context may play a role when choosing a vacation rental if you want to combine different excursion destinations during your days. Those primarily planning to visit bridges, museums, and historic sites can align their accommodation search with the desired sequence of destinations. For days focused on nature, with hiking trails, river access, or a prairie experience, it makes sense to plan around the particular natural area.

Another recurring event adds to the annual calendar: the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival takes place every year on the second full weekend in October. Covered Bridges Winery offers events with wine tastings. This also allows seasonal events and culinary interests to be taken into account when planning a trip, without limiting the stay to just one type of experience.

Other destinations in the same overview: Clay County, Hancock County, Story, Woodbury, Pottawattamie, Fayette County and Grundy County.

For the overarching travel overview: Iowa.