Madison
County
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Madison County, Iowa
Driving Directions
Take Highway 24 west for 5 miles then take Highway 61 north. Highway
61 turns into MO-27/US 136. Merge onto Highway 34 going west at
exit 42B. Follow Highway 34 for 50 miles. Take Highway 63
north for 25 miles and take Highway 163 west for 3 miles. Take
exit 57 to get on Highway 92. Follow Highway 92 for 73 miles to
Winterset. Total distance is 230 miles.
Calendar of Events
Visit the Madison
County Chamber of Commerce website
for a calendar of events.
Madison County History
Madison County Iowa was established in 1849 and named for President
James Madison, the 4th President of the United States. The county is
made of close-knit communities that come complete with small town atmospheres
and hospitality. The picturesque landscape is carved with rivers and
streams, presenting the need for bridges. There were originally 19 covered
bridges in Madison County.
Today, six remain and are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The bridges have made Madison County a famous place and a popular tourist destination. Robert James Waller’s novel, The Bridges of Madison County, as well as the movie version of the book propelled this quaint, quiet county into stardom. Tourist come from all over the world to visit the bridges, tour Francesca’s house, and stop by the Northside Café.
Madison County’s other claim to fame is John Wayne. Born in Winterset in 1907, John Wayne’s home is a popular destination for fans of “The Duke.”
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce offers a wealth of information,
brochures, and maps. Call (800)298-6119 for more information.
Links/Related Websites
Madison County
Madison County Chamber of Commerce
Madison County Historical Society
Climate/Weather Conditions
Average Temperatures
January 19°F
February 24°F
March 37°F
April 50°F
May 61°F
June 70°F
July 75°F
August 72°F
September 64°F
October 53°F
November 38°F
December 24°F
Average precipitation = 29 inches/year