Winterset IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Winterset, Iowa.
1. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
HOLLYWOOD LEGEND'S ORIGINS
The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum celebrates the life and career of the iconic American actor born in Winterset in 1907. Visitors can tour the modest four-room house where Wayne was born and explore the adjacent museum featuring an impressive collection of memorabilia. The museum showcases personal items, movie posters, and artifacts that tell the story of how Marion Robert Morrison became one of Hollywood's greatest stars.
2. Roseman Covered Bridge
FAMOUS MOVIE LOCATION
The Roseman Covered Bridge is one of the most famous of Madison County's historic covered bridges featured in the novel and film 'The Bridges of Madison County'. Built in 1883, this 107-foot bridge spans the Middle River and is known locally as the 'haunted' bridge due to local legends. Visitors can walk through the beautifully preserved wooden structure and enjoy the picturesque rural setting that has captivated photographers and romantics for generations.
3. Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO COVERED BRIDGES
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Winterset and the surrounding area. Visitors can gather maps, brochures, and insider tips about the covered bridges and other local attractions. The helpful staff provides valuable information about seasonal events, dining options, and the most scenic routes through Madison County.
4. Clark Tower
HISTORIC STONE LANDMARK
Clark Tower is a stunning 25-foot tall limestone structure situated in Winterset City Park offering panoramic views of the Middle River Valley. Built in 1926 as a memorial to the county's first pioneer family, this Gothic-style observation tower features a winding staircase to the top. Visitors can climb the tower, enjoy the scenic overlook, and explore the surrounding hiking trails through the wooded park.
5. Iowa Quilt Museum
FABRIC ART SHOWCASE
The Iowa Quilt Museum celebrates the rich heritage and artistry of quilting with rotating exhibits of antique and contemporary quilts. Located on the historic town square, this museum showcases remarkable textile artistry in a beautifully restored building. Visitors can admire the intricate designs, learn about quilting techniques, and gain appreciation for this important form of American folk art.
6. Madison County Historical Complex
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Madison County Historical Complex features 14 buildings including the 1856 Bevington-Kaser House and numerous historical structures across a 16-acre campus. Visitors can explore the blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, stone barn, and other restored buildings that showcase pioneer life in Iowa. The complex houses thousands of artifacts that tell the story of Madison County's development from frontier settlement to thriving community.
7. Covered Bridges Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Covered Bridges Winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a charming rural setting near Winterset. The family-owned vineyard and winery creates unique varieties using both locally grown and imported grapes. Guests can enjoy tastings, tour the production facility, and relax on the patio overlooking the beautiful countryside.
8. Historic Iowa Theater
RESTORED CINEMA GEM
The Historic Iowa Theater is a beautifully restored 1914 movie house located on Winterset's town square. This classic single-screen cinema shows first-run movies, classic films, and hosts special events throughout the year. Visitors can experience the nostalgic charm of this historic venue while enjoying modern amenities and fresh popcorn.
9. Pammel State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Pammel State Park offers 350 acres of natural beauty along the Middle River with unique features including Iowa's only highway tunnel. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking trails, and observing diverse wildlife in this scenic park. The limestone outcroppings, mature forests, and river access make this a perfect destination for nature lovers visiting Madison County.
10. Hogback Covered Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Hogback Covered Bridge is one of the six remaining historic covered bridges in Madison County, built in 1884 and spanning 97 feet over the North River. This distinctive bridge features a natural limestone pier in the middle and gets its name from the nearby hogback ridge. Visitors can walk through this well-preserved structure and enjoy the peaceful countryside setting that showcases Iowa's rural heritage.
11. Middle River Water Trail
SCENIC PADDLING ROUTE
The Middle River Water Trail offers kayakers and canoeists a scenic 6-mile paddling route through the heart of Madison County. This designated water trail winds past limestone bluffs, wooded shores, and under several historic bridges. Outdoor enthusiasts can spot diverse wildlife, enjoy peaceful surroundings, and experience Madison County's natural beauty from a unique perspective.
12. Winterset City Park
URBAN GREEN SPACE
Winterset City Park encompasses 76 acres of beautiful grounds featuring hiking trails, historic structures, and recreational facilities. The park includes the famous Clark Tower, a stone maze, and picturesque stone bridges built during the Great Depression. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, exploring the woodland trails, and photographing the scenic landscape throughout all four seasons.
13. Montross Pharmacy
HISTORIC SODA FOUNTAIN
Montross Pharmacy houses a classic soda fountain where visitors can step back in time while enjoying old-fashioned ice cream treats and phosphates. Located on the Winterset town square, this historic establishment has been serving the community since 1869. Guests can sit at the marble counter, savor homemade specialties, and experience small-town Americana at its finest.
14. Madison County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Madison County Courthouse is an imposing limestone structure built in 1876 that anchors Winterset's historic town square. This Romanesque Revival building features a central clock tower, ornate details, and serves as both a working courthouse and architectural landmark. Visitors can admire the exterior craftsmanship, explore the manicured grounds, and appreciate this centerpiece of Winterset's charming downtown district.
15. Cedar Bridge Park
REBUILT HISTORIC BRIDGE
Cedar Bridge Park features a reconstructed covered bridge that replaces the historic original that was tragically destroyed by arson in 2017. This red-painted bridge spans 76 feet over Cedar Creek and represents Madison County's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Visitors can walk through the bridge, enjoy the surrounding parkland, and reflect on the importance of these structures to the region's identity.