Madison
County Home Famous
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The bridges of Madison County were constructed in the late 1800's. There were 19 bridges throughout Madison County that were covered in order to protect the bridges from suffering weather damage. The bridges were usually named after the resident who lived closest to the bridge. Today, six bridges remain in Madison County and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Cedar Covered Bridge is the bridge featured on the cover of The Bridges of Madison County and stood backdrop for a 1993 broadcast of Oprah. This bridge was built in 1883 and measures 76' long. Its located 5 miles northeast of Winterset and is the only covered bridge still open to vehicle traffic. On September 3, 2002, the Cedar Covered Bridge was destroyed by an arsonist. A replica was constructed to replace the bridge and was dedicated on October 9, 2004. A scenic county park with picnic area and a gazebo is located near this bridge.
The Roseman Covered Bridge was constructed in 1883. It measures 107' long and sits at its original location. The Roseman Covered Bridge is also known as “The Wedding Bridge” as well as “The Haunted Bridge” and is the site in the movie, The Bridges of Madison County, where Francesca leaves a note inviting Robert to dinner. The Roseman was restored in 1991 at a cost of $152,515.
The Cutler-Donahoe Bridge was built in 1871 and measures 79' long. It was originally located 19 miles northeast of Winterset until 1970 when it was moved to Winterset City Park. In 1997, this bridge was renovated for $35,538.
The Hogback Bridge was built in 1884 five miles northwest of Winterset in a valley. The 97' long bridge spans the North River. Its name comes from the limestone ridge which forms the west end of the valley. Hogback Bridge was renovated in 1992 for $118,810.
The Holliwell Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in Madison County at 122' long. It was built in 1880 and spans the Middle River east of Winterset at its original location. It was renovated in 1995 for $225,000.
The Imes Bridge was constructed in 1871 and is the oldest remaining bridge. This 81' bridge has been moved several times and is now located at the Imes Bridge Park in St. Charles. It was renovated in 1997 at a cost of $31,887.
Winterset’s Covered Bridge Festival began in 1970 and has grown to a full-blown festivity that celebrates Madison County and its historic covered bridges. The festival is centered in the Winterset town square and features a parade, quilt show, artisans, crafts, food, music and entertainment. Guided bridge tours showcase the famous landmarks. The festival takes place the 2nd weekend in October. Call (800) 298-6119 for more information.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Madison County Courthouse was built by Andrew Piquenard in 1875 at a cost of $120,000. The Italianate Revival features locally quarried limestone, an oversized dome, four clock faces, and a 1500 pound bell. The 122' high structure is visible for miles.
Clark Tower was erected in 1926 as a memorial to one of the county’s pioneer families, Caleb & Ruth Clark. The tower was constructed of native limestone and measures 12' diameter and 25' tall. You can see Clark Tower at the Winterset City Park, the same park where the Cutler-Donahoe Bridge is located. A visit to the top of Clark Tower yields a breathtaking view of the Middle River Valley.
Quilters from all over the world stop by the Fons & Porter Quilt Shop in Winterset. It is the headquarters for the magazine, Love of Quilting. Fons & Porter also host America’s #1 quilting program on PBS, Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting. Their quilting store is located on the south side of Winterset’s historic town square and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (888) 985-1020 for more information.
The John Wayne Birthplace in Winterset is a modest four room house that portrays life for a Midwest family in 1907, the year John Wayne was born. The home is the actual home John Wayne lived in for the first four years of his life. It has been decorated with authentic period furnishing and is full of memorabilia, rare photos, and unique items. The house has been visited by many celebrities. The most famous visit was Ronald Reagan during his presidency in 1984. Guided tours are available daily. Call (515) 462-1044 for additional information.
The
Madison County Historical Complex covers 18 acres and offers
visitors a permanent record of life in Madison County. There is a complete
19th century village containing 14 structures including a log school,
stone barn, blacksmith shop, post office, train depot, church, and a restored
1856 Victorian mansion. The complex is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places and was established in 1904. Thousands of historical
artifacts dating back to the beginning of Madison County are on display
throughout the complex. Quilts, memorabilia, artifacts, rock collections,
and a history library are among the must sees at the Madison County Historical
Complex. It is located at 815 South 2nd Avenue in Winterset. Call (515)
462-2134 for more information.