Visiting the Bridges of Madison County Iowa

The Bridges of Madison County Iowa became famous after the release of the 1995 film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. In the movie, Clint Eastwood plays a National Geographic photographer who arrives in Madison County to photograph the iconic covered bridges. After getting lost, he meets Meryl Streep’s character, who helps guide him and ultimately becomes part of a brief but unforgettable love story.

Today, there are six covered bridges still standing in Madison County. While only one is still open to vehicle traffic, all of them can be visited on foot, making this one of the most unique experiences in the area. Of the six bridges, two were featured in the film: the Roseman Bridge and the Holliwell Bridge.

You might be wondering why these bridges are covered in the first place. The answer is surprisingly practical. The county’s board of supervisors chose to add coverings to protect the large wooden flooring beams, which were much more expensive to replace than the siding and roof.

The bridges are located just outside the charming town of Winterset, Iowa. Because they are fairly close to one another, you can easily visit all six in about an hour by car. That said, you will likely want to take your time exploring each one, walking through the bridges, and enjoying the surrounding countryside.

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Map of the Bridges of Madison County Iowa

If you are planning to stay overnight, I recommend booking a room at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites Winterset. This newer hotel has a convenient location, is very clean, and includes a complimentary hot breakfast, which is always a win.

There is more to explore beyond the bridges, so be sure to leave time to enjoy the town itself. Winterset has a charming small town feel with shops, restaurants, and local attractions worth checking out. I have also put together a full guide on our favorite things to do in Winterset to help you plan your visit.

A few helpful tips before you go. Most of the covered bridges are located along gravel or dirt roads, so plan your drive accordingly. Only the Imes Bridge and the Cutler Donahoe Bridge are accessible by paved roads. We also noticed quite a few bees around the bridges, especially during warmer months, so just be mindful if anyone in your family is sensitive.

The Bridges of Madison County Iowa

1. Roseman Covered Bridge

The Roseman Covered Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in Madison County and was prominently featured in the Bridges of Madison County movie. This is where Robert Kincaid sets up his camera at the beginning of the film, and where Francesca leaves her note nailed to the bridge.

Built in 1883 and renovated in 1992, the bridge still stands in its original location over the Middle River, adding to its historic charm.

The Roseman Covered Bridge was my favorite to visit. It feels more secluded than some of the others, and the peaceful setting makes it a great place to slow down and take it all in.

2. Hogback Covered Bridge

Built in 1884, the Hogback Covered Bridge remains in its original location over the North River along Hogback Bridge Road in Winterset. The bridge gets its name from a nearby limestone ridge, often referred to as a “hogback.”

Stretching 106 feet in length, the bridge features a classic town lattice truss design, a common construction style for covered bridges of that era. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved examples in Madison County.

3. Cedar Covered Bridge

This was another one of my favorite bridges to visit. It is the only covered bridge in Madison County that you can actually drive through, which makes it a fun and unique stop. There is also a small parking area and picnic tables nearby, making it a great place to take a break or enjoy lunch.

Cedar Bridge is the only bridge that is not the original structure. The original bridge was destroyed by arson in 2002. It was rebuilt, only to be burned down again in 2017. The bridge you see today is a replica, and as you might expect, the area is now monitored with security cameras.

4. Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge

This bridge was originally located over the North River near Bevington but was later moved to Winterset City Park. While it no longer spans water, you can still walk through it and appreciate its historic design up close.

While you are visiting the park, be sure to explore a bit more. The hedge maze is a fun stop for kids, and climbing to the top of Clark’s Tower offers great views of the surrounding area.

5. Holliwell Bridge

Built in 1880, this is the longest covered bridge in Madison County and remains in its original location over the Middle River in Winterset. It was also featured in the movie Bridges of Madison County, making it a must-see stop when visiting the Bridges of Madison County Iowa.

6. Imes Covered Bridge

This bridge is the furthest from the others, so if you are short on time, this may be the one to skip. The Imes Covered Bridge was built in 1870 and later moved from Patterson to St. Charles in 1977.

There is also a nice walking path nearby that leads into town, making it a pleasant stop if you have the time to explore a bit more.