Location: Winterset
Top Things to do in Winterset
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Winterset, Iowa (IA)
Winterset is a city in Madison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 5,190 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Madison County. Winterset is part of the Des Moines − West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. Winterset is the birthplace of actor John Wayne.
Restaurants in Winterset
1. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Tour the modest 4-room home where John Wayne was born, and visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum featuring the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, letters, artwork and sculpture--even one of his customized automobiles. Admission includes the Museum, a visit to the Birthplace house, and a small theater with a documentary on John Wayne's life, with a special welcome by his daughter Aissa.
Reviewed By b2dave8255
We stopped in the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum during our stay just outside of Des Moines. As a John Wayne fan, this was a bucket list item for me. The staff was very friendly and the lady that greeted us and gave us the tour of the house was a bigger John Wayne fan than me, never thought that was possible. She made our day! The gift shop had several souvenir items, books clothes etc to choose from. The museum had several movie costumes and props to enjoy. Thanks to all the staff on duty September 1st 2020 for all your help!
2. Roseman Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By 570creative - San Antonio, United States
Nice gift shop next door. Note you will drive on dusty gravel roads to get to this location. Hogback Bridge has the same design.
3. Courthouse Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By 718teresag - Alamosa, United States
The courthouse is beautiful, inside & out. The square is also beautiful, with historic buildings galore, including a Ben Franklin & a very good bakery. Homes in the surrounding area are beautiful...we got a map at the welcome center & drove through the surrounding neighborhood in search of "quilt blocks" that are on many of them, known as the "quilt trail". Lots of fun!
4. Holliwell Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Oldtravellers50 - Mize, United States
I loved the bridge tour and am so glad we didn't miss t his one. It was located in the park and easy to get to. It is a beautiful and well preserved bridge like the ones I remember from my early childhood. I only wish that visitors to these old relics didn't have a need to carve or write their initials/names on the walls. In spite of that, it is still a great piece of history well worth seeing. Easy to find. No tour guide needed. Tour at your own pace. It is free.
5. Cutler-Donahoe Bridge
6. Hogback Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By QueenMiller - Stewartsville, United States
Set apart and out by itself and very secluded. It has beautiful scenery of woods and river surrounding it so perfect for pictures or a picnic. What a great solid bridge! I hope to see it with my kids someday!
7. Winterset City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By EngelkingCGMN - Cottage Grove, United States
My daughter wanted to play at a playground so we stopped here. Little did I know that there was so much more than just a playground. There is also the Cutler Conahoe covered bridge. And, then you can drive up the hill to Clark Tower for a beautiful view of the countryside by going to the top of a tower that was built to look like a castle. Also, one quick tip. It's a little unclear when you first enter, but this is a "drive through" park. So, don't feel the need to park in the lot near the entrance. You can drive your vehicle down the relatively narrow path, which I wasn't sure at first was for cars.
8. Clark Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By 718teresag - Alamosa, United States
The drive up to the tower is very nice, passing basically through the forest (especially pretty in fall). The structure is beautiful & there is a nice view from it. Get directions at the welcome center in Winterset.
