Location: Winterset
Top Things to do in Winterset
Top 10 Things to do in Winterset, United States
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. Roseman Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By Kenneth L - Los Angeles, California
Roseman Bridge is a longer but pleasant drive to the southwest from Winterset, first on Highway 92 and a left turn onto Roasman Bridge Road, follow the signs carefully as the route zig-zags. This is one of the two bridges used in the movie, "Bridges of Madison County", considered the most popular, and the only bridge with an adjacent gift shop. Built in 1883. The bridge is open to foot traffic but no longer vehicles. You can get a good look at the bridge from all sides. There is usually adequate parking.
2. Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Madison County is the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa, with the largest group of covered bridges that exists in one area in the western half of the Mississippi Valley. Six of the original nineteen covered bridges remain, five of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Roseman Covered Bridge and Holliwell Covered Bridge were both featured in the film "The Bridges of Madison County", and the Cedar Covered Bridge was featured on the cover of the novel "The Bridges of Madison County". The Madison County Chamber of Commerce specializes in guided personal and group tours of the covered bridges and other historic sites around Madison County.
Reviewed By Robert H - Dronfield, United Kingdom
This was our first trip to Winterset. We began with the Information center. Here we were given a really warm welcome by one of the team (a lady with long dark hair) who gave us a great deal on information on John Wayne and the Bridges of Madison County. Armed with a local town map and leaflets on all places of interest. (John Wayne's birthplace ) etc., we started our tour of the area.
Have to say this was one of the most welcoming information centers we have encountered on our many trips from the UK to US states. Thanks.
3. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 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 guided tour of 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 glhenry - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
We visited the museum during a trip through Madison County. It is a pretty neat place. I didn't realize that the Duke was born in Winterset until we were there. He didn't spend much of his life there, but it is a great place dedicated to a great American. A must visit if you are in Winterset.
4. Clark Tower
Overall Ratings
4 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By Kenneth L - Los Angeles, California
Clark Tower is made of stone and stands about 25 feet tall and was built in 1926 to celebrate the county's first pioneer family . From the top, the view stretches south past farms to the horizon. The ships ladder to the top is the only way up but not too difficult - one person at a time. The one-way road to the tower is a little rough as it twists through the trees. Once you start this drive, you are committed, you can't turn around until you reach the tower and follow another one-way road back.
5. Holliwell Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Oldtravellers50 - Mize, Mississippi
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.
6. Hogback Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By 96Dreamer - Rogers, Arkansas, USA
We didn’t get to see all the covered bridges in the Madison County area, but between the three we did see (Imes, Holliwell, and this Hogback), this one was our favorite setting with the fall colors starting to show in the surrounding hills. Hopefully we can come back another time and stay longer to see all that the county has to offer.
7. Courthouse Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By WStatesTraveler - The Netherlands
The courthouse has a beautiful architecture. It has dominated the square for a long time. It was there (completed in 1876) when John Wayne was born. Too bad that some of the buildings around the courthouse look a bit dilapidated. Nevertheless I made a nice walk around the courthouse and learned more about the historic buildings on the square.
8. Cutler-Donahoe Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By glhenry - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The Cutler-Donahoe Bridge is another Iowa Treasure. Now located in the city park...it was originally built in 1870. An amazing piece of history...now almost 150 years old. These bridges are all just awesome. This one sits in a beautiful spot. A must see if you are in Winterset.
9. Cedar Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By MrsPickle - Huntington Beach, California
This bridge has been set on fire twice by arson. We came to see it and gave it 5 stars because it is still loved. Hopefully, it can be restored.
10. Pammel Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Daniel B - Cedar Rapids
This park is roughly 4 miles sw of Winterset. Head west on state highway 92 until you make a left on P68. When you enter, you weave your way around a stream, then you start seeing areas where you can place your kayak at certain spots.Keep going. The key entrance for ME was the tunnel. Two lane wide, under the "mountain" of limestone at the mouth of this gem of Madison County. This park is unique in its topography of its surroundings. It affords only 350 acres but it seems to offer much more: You can stop by the Nature Center and learn about the history of the area. Camping is available; Cabin rental is here;Drinking water/showers/pit toilets. Lodge rental;Yes, there is a place where you can drive your vehicle through a stream. I have seen this feature in only a few other parks in Iowa. Kinda cool. The hiking trails alone are well worth stopping for. The woods smell so fresh and clean here. Hard to believe that once you experience this place that it is only 350 acres big! Handicapped accessibility everywhere I saw. Canoe access; Kayak access; Winter sports are allowed. This place ranks right up there with all those covered bridges that are in the area. This place is awesome and well worth stopping for, in my opinion.
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