Madison County Conservation Center

Start your day at the brand new Madison County Conservation Center located in the middle of Pammel Park. This spacious nature center and event venue brings the outdoors through its materials, floor to ceiling windows, and fun interactive exhibits. All ages will enjoy spending time here and best of all, it's free!

The Water Ford at Pammel Park

Cool off at the man-made water ford in Pammel Park by taking a dip, paddle or a drive across Middle River. This part of the river is very popular with kayakers, swimmers and innertubers, or those who just want a quick splash!

The Covered Bridges of Madison County

No visit to Madison County, Iowa, is complete without a visit to our world-famous covered bridges, such as the Hogback Covered Bridge (pictured above). Families will enjoy exploring this nearly 150-year-old historic structure and adding an entry into the Dreamers Journal, as well as viewing wildlife around the bridge and in the North River below. 

Frostee's

The soft-serve ice cream is what Frostee's is best known for and that includes the thick blends of soft serve and toppings that they call "Cyclones." We're partial to the lemon soft serve. Frostee’s also serves up pork tenderloin sandwiches, beef burgers, chicken strips, fries, walking tacos, and more. (Open seasonally, spring to fall.) For other delicious cold treats, try Tiki Treats Iowa!

Winterset Murals

 

Save your family from a fire-breathing dragon or take turns punching blocks in a lifesize Mario Kart game. Artist James Navarro and fellow designer Katie Jensen created a series of 7 murals that line the alley between Turning Point and Shawn's Furniture on the east side of the Winterset courthouse square. The Winterset Murals are designed to be interactive, offering a fun and unique photographic experience for all! (Be sure to share your images with us by using the hashtag #madisoncountyiowa and #wintersetmurals)

Disc Golf Course at the Madison County Historical Complex

This new nine-hole disc golf course couldn't be set in a prettier location than on the 23 acres of the Madison County Historical Complex, surrounded by beautiful trees and authentic historical buildings that were moved to the complex over the years. Free to play!

Madison County Historical Complex

While you're at the Madison County Historical Complex, explore the more than 10,000 local historical artifacts and 14 buildings on the grounds, including this authentic one-room schoolhouse where the kids just might teach their parents something. (Open May-October, $5 per guest.)

Winterset City Park

Arrive at Winterset City Park (corner of 9th & South streets) and discover all of its gems - Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, an English hedge maze, whimsical wooden sculptures, a brand new Play-for-ALL playground, campground, and Clark Tower, to name a few.

Winterset Historic Courthouse Retail District

The award-winning Winterset retail district has over twenty unique boutiques. Any visit to Winterset should include time to shop! Kids will love The Candy Bar and Quest Haven Books & Comics, in particular!

Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm

Finally, round out your visit to rural Madison County with a stop at one of our family-friendly farms, such as Rusty Stars Alpacas (pictured above) in Winterset or Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch along Cumming Road. At either place you can make some new furry friends and shop for farm grown gifts to take home.

Your Home Away from Home

Book a room at one of our two hotels (Cobblestone Inn & Suites or Covered Bridge Inn) or at one of our cozy B&Bs, such as The Roost at Speckled Hen Farms Airbnb (pictured above) where everyone can have their own room! For more lodging information, click here.