Covered Bridges
Printable Map Covered Bridge Festival Scenic Byway
Madison County's Covered Bridges
The era of covered bridges in North America spans slightly over two centuries, including the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa, which were built between 1868-1889. There were at least nineteen documented covered bridges built in Madison County, making it the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa. Today, there are six bridges remaining, five of which are original. These include Cedar (a replica), Cutler-Donahoe, Hogback, Holliwell, Imes, and Roseman. Four of these bridges feature a nearly flat roof, a design component by bridge builder Harvey P. Jones, which is now unique in the United States.
Why were there so many bridges built in Madison County? The county was once known as "Three River Country," though there are actually four rivers that cut across the county - North, Middle, South/Grand River, and Thompson. There are also many creeks and streams making bridges a necessity.
Why are the bridges covered? Covering a bridge was an economic measure, designed to lengthen the life of the structure. Complex and expensive timber trusses, left open to the weather, proved vulnerable to deterioration. A wood bridge left uncovered might last fifteen years, but when covered, it can last indefinitely.
Know Before You Go
All of the bridges are open to the public and may be crossed on foot or bicycle. Only one is still open to vehicular traffic and that is Cedar Bridge (please pay close attention to the posted height limitation!) No ATVs may be driven across the bridges due to potential damage to these timber structures.
We have two bridges that are accessible by pavement only – Imes Bridge in St. Charles, and Cutler-Donahoe Bridge at City Park in Winterset. Cedar Bridge is accessible via Cedar Bridge Road, which is mostly pavement south of the bridge. You will only be on gravel for a couple hundred feet.
The final three are on gravel/dirt roads – the Roseman, the Hogback and the Holliwell. Holliwell Bridge is on 1.9 miles of gravel after turning right onto Norwood Ave from E. Court Ave. If you access Hogback Bridge from 195th Street, then Hogback Bridge Road, it’s just over two miles of gravel. The Roseman is the furthest on gravel – 4.3 miles if you turn onto Roseman Bridge Road from I-92 to Elderberry. However, if you want to drive on less gravel, keep on I-92 to Elmwood Ave, and it’s only 2.2 miles of gravel.
Personal Guided Tours
Personal guided tours of Madison County and the covered bridges are our specialty! Each two-hour tour includes information on the construction and history of the bridges, the movie production, and a variety of local historical information. Your expert tour guide will join you in your personal vehicle, guiding you to several of the covered bridges and telling insightful stories along the way. (You must have a seat available for the tour guide with a seat belt!)
Tour Fees
- $50 (for up to 5 passengers; this is the minimum fee required)
- For each additional passenger add $10 per person.
Tour Operators
Are you a motorcoach operator or planning a large group gathering? Visit our “For Tour Operators” page.
