Iowa’s Covered Bridges are the Stars but John Wayne & Quilts Also Shine Along This Byway

This byway is one of our choices for Iowa’s Top Scenic Byways, as listed in our Iowa section.

Cedar Covered Bridge near Winterset, Iowa

Southwest of Des Moines is a day trip that travels from Iowa’s capital and largest city to a picturesque small town famous for its covered bridges and Hollywood connections. Winterset is the birthplace of John Wayne. It’s also the setting for The Bridges of Madison County, a 1995 film based on Robert James Waller’s bestselling novel. The movie was directed by Clint Eastwood who costarred with Meryl Streep. Both the bridges and John Wayne play a significant role in this scenic route.

Des Moines southwest to Winterset and six bridges

Distance: 82 miles / 132 km

From downtown Des Moines, it’s an easy 40-minute drive to Winterset. Erected between 1870 and 1884, there are six bridges to see in and around town. The covers were built to protect the wooden decks and trusses from rain and snow, preventing decay and rot. And while each bridge is amazing, they all kinda look the same – something to keep in mind as you’re planning the day. You can walk across each bridge; Cedar Bridge is the only one that’s drivable.

• Hogback Bridge (1884): Located on a well-maintained gravel road six miles northwest of Winterset, this bridge is 97 feet long and lies in its original location.

• Cedar Bridge (1883): At 76 feet long, this is the only bridge you can drive across. It’s on a paved road that changes to gravel not far from the bridge. Located 3.5 miles northeast of Winterset, Cedar Bridge was moved to this spot in 1921. This is the most famous bridge as it’s pictured on The Bridges of Madison County book cover and was featured in the film. Sadly, the original bridge is gone. Nearly destroyed by arson, it was rebuilt and re-opened in 2019.

• Holliwell Bridge (1880): This bridge was in the movie and still sits in its original location, off a gravel road 5.5 miles southeast of town. It’s also the longest bridge at 122 feet.

• Imes Bridge (1870): The oldest of the surviving bridges in the area, 81-foot-long Imes sits right next to State Highway 251 in St. Charles, 13 miles east of Winterset. It’s another mile east to I-35 which goes directly north to Des Moines.

• Roseman Bridge (1883): Another film star, this beauty is 107-feet-long and still lies in its original location, 9.5 miles southwest of Winterset on a gravel road. Nearby Pammel Park features the Harmon Tunnel. Built in 1850, it cuts through a limestone ridge. The park is set in woodlands along the Middle River and offers camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and fishing.

• Cutler-Donahoe Bridge (1870): This 79-foot-long bridge is the only one located in town. It was moved to Winterset’s City Park in 1970. The park also features excellent views of the countryside from Clark Tower, a castle-like structure a mile south of the bridge.

Founded in 1849 and anchored by the striking Madison County Courthouse, downtown Winterset is predictably charming with boutiques, restaurants, a brewery and the nostalgic Iowa Theater, showing new movies Fridays through Sundays and classic films on Wednesdays.

Winterset’s most famous son is celebrated at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to the iconic actor. Even if you aren’t a John Wayne fan, the museum is well done and engaging, particularly for movie buffs.

One of America’s great art forms and a hobby that’s growing in popularity around the world, the Iowa Quilt Museum has historical displays and a gift shop. But the best part is the incredibly colorful rotating exhibits featuring best-in-class quilters.

Just south of downtown, the 25-acre Madison County Historical Complex is a fun walkthrough of 14 historic buildings including a restored 1856 Victorian mansion, law office, general store, gas station, blacksmith shop and schoolhouse. A large barn is packed with early farm equipment, barbed wire displays, wagons and carriages.