Winterset Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Winterset is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the birthplace of legendary actor John Wayne, this small town is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes and rich heritage.

One of the main attractions in Winterset is the historic Madison County Covered Bridges. Made famous by the novel and subsequent movie "The Bridges of Madison County," these iconic structures are a symbol of the region's rural charm. Take a leisurely drive or embark on a scenic bike ride to explore the six covered bridges that dot the countryside, each with its own story to tell.

For history enthusiasts, the John Wayne Birthplace Museum is a must-visit. Step into the world of the iconic American actor as you wander through exhibits showcasing his life, career, and the impact he had on the film industry. From movie props to personal memorabilia, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the life of a Hollywood legend.

Nature lovers will find solace in the beauty of Winterset's parks and trails. The Winterset City Park is a peaceful oasis where you can relax amidst lush greenery or enjoy a picnic by the river. The Clark Tower, located within the park, provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for capturing stunning photographs.

If you're looking for a taste of local flavor, Winterset offers a vibrant culinary scene. From farm-to-table restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients to cozy cafes offering homemade treats, there's something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional American comfort food at one of the town's charming diners.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Winterset also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. From the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival to the John Wayne Birthday Celebration, there's always something happening in this lively town.

Alternative names: Population: 5.2 thous.Area: 4.72 mi²Elevation: 1119 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°20'3"N, 94°0'49"W

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IowaUnited States

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Winterset Top Attractions

Winterset Attractions - What to See and Explore

Winterset offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Clark Tower, Cutler–Donahoe Bridge, Roseman Covered Bridge, Madison County Courthouse. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Observation decks and towers • View point • Memorial
Clark Tower
Clark Tower is a castle-like limestone tower located in Winterset City Park in Winterset, Iowa, United States. It was erected in 1926, on the eightieth anniversary of the founding of Madison County, in memory of Caleb Clark, a stonemason who was the first white settler of Madison County, and his wife Ruth Clanton Clark.
Bridge
Cutler–Donahoe Bridge
Cutler–Donahoe Bridge is a 79-foot-long covered bridge in Madison County, Iowa. It was built in 1870 by Eli Cox. It originally crossed the North River near Bevington, Iowa. In 1979, the bridge was moved to its current location at the entrance to the Winterset City Park.
Bridge
Roseman Covered Bridge
The Roseman Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge in Winterset, Iowa. It is prominently featured in the novel The Bridges of Madison County, as well as its film adaptation. It was built in 1883 over the Middle River, and renovated in 1992.

Tower • Neo-renaissance architecture
Madison County Courthouse
The Madison County Courthouse is located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 as a part of the County Courthouses in Iowa Thematic Resource.
Bridge
Holliwell Covered Bridge
Holliwell Bridge is a wooden covered bridge in Madison County, Iowa. It was built over the Middle River in 1880 by Benton Jones. The bridge is no longer in use, but was renovated and restored in 1995 at a cost of $225,000. It is featured in the film The Bridges of Madison County.
Bridge
Cedar Covered Bridge
Cedar Bridge refers to three different bridges in Madison County, in the U.S. state of Iowa. The original Cedar Covered Bridge was built in 1883, moved in 1921, and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
41°19'58"N • 94°0'45"W
John Wayne Birthplace
Historical place • Specialty museum • Museum
Bridge • Historical place
Hogback Covered Bridge
The Hogback Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge near Winterset, Iowa. Named after a nearby limestone ridge, it was built in 1884 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster over the North River on Douglas Township Road. The 106-foot-long bridge was designed with a Town lattice truss system.
41°20'3"N • 94°0'49"W
Iowa Quilt Museum
Specialty museum • Museum
Romanesque architecture
Winterset Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District
Winterset Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District is a nationally recognized historic district located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
Museum • Vernacular architecture • History museum
C.D. Bevington House and Stone Barn
The C.D. Bevington House and Stone Barn are historic buildings located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. Bevington was a pharmacist who passed through the area in 1849 on his way to the California Gold Rush.
Vernacular architecture
J.G. and Elizabeth S. Vawter House
The J.G. and Elizabeth S. Vawter House is a historic residence located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. J.G. Vawter settled in Winterset in 1854 and was a local merchant. His wife Elizabeth owned this house. They left the community sometime before 1865. This 2½-story structure is composed of locally quarried limestone.
Vernacular architecture
White
The White, Munger and Company Store is a historic building located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. Built in 1861 by Evan V. Evans who owned the property the building sits on, it is an early example of a vernacular limestone commercial building. The two-story structure is composed of locally quarried ashlar and rubble stone.
Vernacular architecture
C.D. and Eliza Heath Bevington Privy
The C.D. and Eliza Heath Bevington Privy is a historic building located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. Bevington was a pharmacist who passed through the area in 1849 on his way to the California Gold Rush.
Vernacular architecture
William R. and Martha Foster Shriver House
The William R. and Martha Foster Shriver House is a historic residence located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. William R. Shriver was an Ohio native who settled in Jefferson County, Iowa before he moved to Madison County in 1853–54. He married Martha Foster in 1858 in Winterset.
Vernacular architecture
Guiberson House
The Guiberson House is a historic residence located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. Edwin R. Guiberson settled in Winterset in the late 1840s, and worked as a lot agent selling property after the town was platted. He also served a term as County Judge.
Vernacular architecture
Emily Hornback House
The Emily Hornback House is a historic residence located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. The Hornbacks were a prominent family in town. Brothers George and James were in business with their father building wagons. Emily was married to one of the brothers, although it is unclear which one.
Vernacular architecture
Miller Richard and Mary Fisher Tidrick House
The Miller Richard and Mary Fisher Tidrick House is a historic residence located in Winterset, Iowa, United States. Miller Tidrick was an Ohio native who settled in Winterset in 1858 and was a member of a well-connected family in town.
41°20'3"N • 94°1'15"W
W.J. and Nettie J. Cornell House
The W.J. and Nettie J. Cornell House, also known as the Samuel G. & Sophia J. Ruby House, and the A. W. & Martha A. Crawford House, is a historic residence located in Winterset, Iowa, United States.

Day trips

Winterset – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Winterset, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Adventureland (Altoona), Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville), Iowa State Capitol (Des Moines).

35 milesNE
Amusement, Theme park, Entertainment
Adventureland, Altoona
Nestled in the heart of Altoona, Iowa, Adventureland Park beckons as a vibrant hub of thrills and laughter, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. This enchanting theme park, a stone's throw from Des Moines, has been a staple of family...
47 milesE
Racetrack, Sport venue, Sport
Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville
Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Knoxville Raceway is a mecca for sprint car racing enthusiasts and a hallmark destination for those seeking the thrill of high-speed motorsport action. Known as the "Sprint Car Capital of the World," this iconic dirt track in Knoxville...
28 milesNE
Museum, History museum
Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines
The Iowa State Capitol, a commanding presence in the city of Des Moines, stands as a beacon of history and governance in the Hawkeye State. This architectural masterpiece, crowned by a resplendent 23-carat gold leaf dome, is not only the seat of the Iowa General...
27 milesNE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Principal Park, Des Moines
Principal Park, formerly Sec Taylor Stadium, is a minor league baseball stadium in Des Moines, Iowa. It is the home field of the International League's Iowa Cubs.
35 milesNE
Convention center, Casino, Horse track
Prairie Meadows, Altoona
Prairie Meadows is a Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racetrack casino located in Altoona, Iowa, United States.