48 Hours in Madison County, Iowa Itinerary
Day One
Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center
Start your day at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center (73 Jefferson Street, Winterset), where you can pick up maps and directions to the covered bridges, find public restrooms, souvenirs, and locally-made products, as well as The Bridges of Madison County movie memorabilia. Or schedule a personal guided two-hour covered bridge tour!
Winterset City Park
Arrive at Winterset City Park (corner of 9th & South streets) and discover its gems - Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, an English hedge maze, whimsical wooden sculptures, a brand new Play-for-ALL playground, campground, and Clark Tower.
John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
John Wayne Birthplace & Museum (205 S. John Wayne Drive) honors Winterset’s own in style and features the largest private collection of John Wayne memorabilia in existence. Be sure to pose with the full-size bronze statue out front. Open daily excluding major holidays.
Iowa Quilt Museum
If arts and crafts are more your thing, a visit to the Iowa Quilt Museum is a must! The museum brings in new, curated exhibits every few months, so there’s always something new to see.
Petite Cafe
Petite Cafe was recently highlighted in Midwest Living's Summer 2024 magazine, and earned the 2024 Service Excellence Award from Iowa Travel Industry Partners! See for yourself why this tiny cafe is a must-visit.
Roseman Covered Bridge
On your way back to Winterset, visit the Roseman Covered Bridge, which figured prominently in the movie. Then take a short detour to Pammel Park and drive across Middle River at the ford or tour the new conservation center.
Dine & Drink
Afternoon is a perfect time to stop for something cold to drink. Visit Big Rack Brewhaus for craft beer, Covered Bridges Winery or Madison County Winery for a glass of red or white. Winterset’s taprooms The Drift, Sports Page Bar & Grill, and Urban Taproom & Grill offer some of each as well as tasty cocktails. Stay put for dinner or head to one of over 15 eateries around Winterset.
The Iowa Theater
Head over to the historic Iowa Theater to take in a classic film or new movie. This fully renovated cinema has state-of-the-art digital projection and amazing grown-in-Iowa popcorn! (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 pm, Sundays at 2)
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. For more lodging information, click here.
Day Two
Breakfast, then a Bridge
Start with an award-winning freshly baked apple fritter from The Bakery Unlimited (just named one of the 10 Best Donut Shops in the U.S.), or coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Cabin Coffee. Then head to Holliwell or Hogback Covered Bridge for early morning photos.
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!
Madison County Historical Complex
Explore the Madison County Historical Complex, home to more than 10,000 local historical artifacts and 14 buildings on 25 acres! (Open May-October)
Imes Covered Bridge, St. Charles
After lunch, head southeast out of town to St. Charles where you’ll find the Imes Covered Bridge and a charming Main Street with fabulous retail shops and a few other surprises.
Finish at a 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 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.
