A red covered bridge marked “Hogback Bridge, Built 1884” stands over a rural road at sunset, its white railings leading into a wooden lattice interior. Golden light washes across the surrounding green fields and trees, creating a warm, peaceful evening scene.

Hogback Covered Bridge glows in the warm light of an Iowa sunset, its 1884 timber trusses framed by rolling fields and a quiet country road.

When you hear someone refer to "The Bridges of Madison County," I bet your first thought is the movie with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. If you are an avid reader, it's the best-selling novel that preceded the film by a few years. Many people are not aware that those beautiful covered bridges Clint's character went to photograph are located in a picturesque area of Iowa, less than an hour's drive from Des Moines.


One of Iowa's newest byways, the official name for this area, is the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. At 82 miles long, this drive includes beautiful natural places and unique destinations like John Wayne's Birthplace. There's enough to see and do in Madison County to fill a two—or three-day weekend. But, if you are like me, you may need a second trip to see and experience it all!



Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center - 73 Jefferson St, Winterset


I recommend stopping at the Welcome Center to pick up a map and a brochure of the bridges. The bridges are scattered throughout the county, and you will be driving many gravel roads this weekend, so plan accordingly. It is on Winterset's beautiful town square.


​When I visited in 2017, Madison County had five covered bridges. Sadly, the sixth one, Cedar Covered Bridge, had just been destroyed by an arsonist fire a few months before. But it has since been rebuilt and reopened in 2019.

A red covered bridge labeled “Hogback Bridge, Built 1884” spans a small waterway in a rural landscape, with white interior walls, wooden plank flooring, and green fields and trees surrounding the structure.

Hogback Covered Bridge, built in 1884, spans a quiet Iowa waterway amid green fields—its red siding and timber trusses glowing softly in the late‑day light.


Hogback Covered Bridge was my favorite and the most photogenic of all the Madison County Bridges. It was built in 1884 and still sits in its original location. This bridge was named after the limestone ridge forming the valley's west end.



Winterset City Park

E. South St and, S 9th St, Winterset



A red covered bridge labeled “Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, Built 1883” spans a small stream in a lush wooded setting, with white trim, a shingled roof, and lattice trusses visible through the side openings. A gravel path leads to the entrance, surrounded by dense green trees and vegetation.

Cutler‑Donahoe Covered Bridge, an 1870s timber‑truss span, stands quietly among the rolling fields of Madison County—its red siding and white trim echoing the classic covered‑bridge style of rural Iowa.

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The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, constructed in 1870, is currently in Winterset City Park. It is common for covered bridges to be named after nearby residents, and in this case, both the Cutler and Donahoe families claimed the right to name the bridge. As a result, it was given a hyphenated name. The bridge was transported 18 miles to the park just before Madison County's inaugural Covered Bridge Festival.


The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival is an annual event held in October.




Winterset City Park is colossal! If you have ample time on your hands, this park offers an abundance of hiking trails to explore. Moreover, it is an excellent location for camping.


Strangely enough, I failed to notice that a delightful English Hedge Maze nestled within the park's grounds is rumored to contain a concealed sundial amidst its perplexing layout.






A round stone tower known as Clark Tower stands among dense green trees, with arched openings, a crenellated top, and a curved exterior staircase leading to the entrance. A plaque on the wall honors Albert C. Dawson.

Clark Tower stands above the wooded hillside, its round stone walls, arched openings, and crenellated crown honoring Albert C. Dawson amid the surrounding greenery.


Discover another captivating highlight within the park - Clark Tower. This structure stands as a memorial to Madison County's earliest pioneer family and was skillfully constructed in 1926 by their descendants using native limestone found in the area. To reach this awe-inspiring tower, embark on a scenic drive through the park's enchanting natural resource area characterized by abundant woodland and thriving wildlife populations. Be prepared to encounter deer, turkey, pheasant, and other fascinating upland game creatures along your way.

Madison County Historical Complex

815 S 2nd Ave, Winterset


This is a real gem! I wish I had more time to explore this here because it is not your typical historical museum. Unfortunately, we ran out of time, and I didn't even get to visit the museum.


However, the complex boasts 14 restored, furnished buildings across 18 acres. These buildings are log structures from the 1850s, including a country school and post office. Additionally, you can find the 1871 Winterset Railroad Depot, Field Mercantile, Martin Brother's Gas Station, and an 1881 Zion Church on the property. There's also a second schoolhouse that dates back to 1871 and 1939, and it looks as if students abandoned it for the day.


The highlight of the complex is undoubtedly the Bevington-Kaser House, built in 1856. This magnificent mansion, fully furnished with Victorian-era artifacts, captivated most of my attention during my visit. The tour guide was incredibly patient with me and my desire to photograph everything.


John Wayne Birthplace & Museum

205 S. John Wayne Drive, Winterset



Uncover John Wayne's beginnings in Winterset, Iowa! Journey through his historic home and museum for a legendary Western experience.

The small white farmhouse in Winterset, Iowa, where John Wayne was born in 1907, now preserved as a museum honoring the early life of the Hollywood icon.


What can I say about this? IT'S JOHN WAYNE! This is a must for any John Wayne fan. The museum is loaded with his movie memorabilia, and the house he was born in is just darling. Be sure to pose with the full-size John Wayne bronze statue in front of the museum.


A bright red covered bridge spans a narrow creek in a lush green landscape. The wooden bridge has a pitched roof, white trim at the entrance, and sits on timber supports above the water. Trees with early‑season foliage surround the scene under a partly cloudy sky.

The 1883 Roseman Covered Bridge spans the Middle River west of Winterset, its red siding and Burr arch trusses standing quietly in the rolling Iowa countryside.


The Roseman Covered Bridge, also known as Oak Grover Bridge, holds a special place in the hearts of many. It is the most well-known bridge in the area and plays a significant role in the movie and the book. This was the very bridge that Robert Kincaid sought when he stopped at Francesca Johnson's home for directions. It was here that she left him a note inviting him to dinner.


Interestingly, rumors are circulating that Roseman is being haunted. Legend has it that back in 1892, two sheriff's posses trapped an escaped convict inside the bridge. To everyone's astonishment, the man supposedly rose up through the bridge's roof, uttered a chilling cry, and vanished into thin air. Despite extensive searches, he was never found. The incident left people questioning whether someone capable of such an extraordinary act could be guilty.


The 1880 Holliwell Covered Bridge stands in a quiet bend of the Middle River, its red siding and timber trusses anchoring the rural Iowa landscape.

Holliwell Covered Bridge, built in 1880, spans the Middle River southeast of Winterset, its red siding reflected in the calm water below.


The Holliwell Bridge, constructed in 1880, is the longest covered bridge in Madison County. At 122 feet, it also claims the distinction of being the county's longest-standing timber bridge. In the film The Bridges of Madison County, Cedar Bridge was replaced with the iconic Holliwell Bridge because of its pivotal role in the story line. Consequently, this bridge has become a highly sought-after tourist destination.


A red Imes Covered Bridge with a white entrance stands slightly elevated above a grassy slope, its wooden truss interior visible through the open portal. A short wooden ramp leads up to the bridge, and a small plaque is mounted above the entrance. Green trees and a partly cloudy sky frame the rural setting.

Imes Covered Bridge, built in 1870, stands above the grassy hillside near St. Charles—the oldest surviving covered bridge in Madison County.

​The Imes Covered Bridge, built in 1870, is the oldest Bridge in Madison County. It has been moved twice and is now in St. Charles.


I made notes on a few other locations but didn't have time to visit...


Francesca’s House - 3271 130th Street, Cumming - this charming farmhouse was used as the home of Richard & Francesca Johnson in the movie The Bridges of Madison County. While much of it was destroyed by arson in 2003, you can still view the house from the road, but it sits on private property.


​Covered Bridges Winery - 2207 170th Trail, Winterset 


Winterset Cidery - 1638 Hwy 169, Winterset


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A sunset view of the Hogback Covered Bridge anchors the space, its rich reds and golden light complementing the café’s leather seating and soft wall lighting.

The Hogback Covered Bridge print introduces a touch of Iowa’s covered‑bridge charm to the space, its warm tones complementing the muted gray paneling and intimate booth.


Visit the Iowa Collection to see more images from my "Bridges of Madison County" weekend and other beautiful locations in the state. All my photos are available for purchase in my Image Gallery.