Covered bridges from a bygone era embrace a romantic view of Iowa, inspiring a bestselling novel, a Hollywood movie, and a Broadway show that launched its touring production in Iowa.
As part of a USA TODAY network's "Most treasured views in America" project, the Des Moines Register is showcasing stunning places to visit across Iowa.
The Bridges of Madison County are a collection of historic covered bridges located in Madison County, Iowa, made famous by Robert James Waller’s bestselling novel and the 1995 film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.
.At one time, Madison County had 19 covered bridges, built between 1868-1889, and was known as Three River Country, even though, technically, four rivers wind through the county — the North, Middle, South/Grand River, and Thompson rivers. Creeks and streams also contributed to the need for so many bridges, according to Madison County Tourism.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_8pokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_gpokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeBuilders covered the bridges to extend their lives indefinitely.
Only sixcovered bridges remain today, and five are original structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
More: These are 3 of the Most Treasured Views in Iowa. How to find them:
What makes the Bridges of Madison County special?
Ever since Charles City native Robert James Waller published his 1992 novel “The Bridges of Madison County,” the nation has been enthralled by the romantic bridges outside Winterset, Iowa, that formed the book's backdrop.
A tenderly romantic movie with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood debuted in 1995, and the bridges became almost a character in the story. But the bridges came about long before Waller's romantic tale.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_9pokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_hpokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeCedar Covered Bridge: The original 78-foot Cedar Covered Bridge was built in 1883 and was later moved in 1921. Twice, arson claimed the bridge and its replacement, but the city of Winterset rebuilt it and reopened it in 2019.
Fun fact: The Cedar Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in Madison County open to vehicles.
Location: Cedar Bridge Road, Winterset.
The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, photographed Oct. 5, 2015.Cutler-Donahoe Bridge: Eli Cox built the 82-foot-long Cutler-Donahoe Bridge in 1870 to cross the North River near Bevington. In 1979, Winterset moved the bridge to the Winterset City Park before the first Covered Bridge Festival.
Location: 300 S. Ninth St., Winterset.
The Hogback Covered Bridge in Madison County, photographed Sept. 24, 2015.Hogback Covered Bridge: Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster built the 98-foot-long Hogback Covered Bridge in 1884 over the North River.
Location: 1879 Hogback Bridge Road, Winterset.
Holliwell Bridge: Benton Jones built the wooden Holliwell Bridge over the Middle River in 1880. Records show this is the first covered bridge built in Madison County, although it has been rebuilt several times because of flooding.
Location: 123 Holliwell Bridge Road, Winterset.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_alokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_ilokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeBuy a photo: Purchase select prints of Holliwell Bridge and other treasured views
Imes Bridge: The oldest original covered bridge in Madison County, the 81-foot-long wooden Imes Bridge, was built in 1870 over the Middle River. In 1887, it was moved to a spot over Clinton Creek, and in 1977 it was moved again to its present site.
Location: 500 E. Main St., St. Charles.
Roseman Covered Bridge: The Roseman Covered Bridge, built in 1883 over the Middle River, underwent a renovation in 1992. The 104-foot-long bridge features a signature Jones'flat roof. It remained in its original location for a century, until it was bypassed in 1981.
Location: 2451 Elderberry Ave., Winterset.
The Roseman and Holliwell bridges made appearances in the film.
Things to do at the Bridges of Madison County
Visitors can walk over all the bridges. Start in Winterset at the Winterset City Park at 300 S. Ninth St. to fan out around the countryside and see all six bridges. Find maps of the bridge locations at the Chamber of Commerce website.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_bhokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_jhokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeVisit the Madison County Tourism Welcome Centerat 202 E. Main St. in St. Charles for physical map copies. Scenic route signs around Winterset also point to each of the bridges.
Do you have to pay to see the Bridges of Madison County?
There are no charges to visit any of the six covered bridges.
What is the closest city to the Bridges of Madison County?
Winterset, Iowa, and St. Charles, Iowa
Fast facts on the Bridges of Madison County
Pets: Pets are permitted at each of the bridges.
Accessibility: All of the bridges are wheelchair accessible, but some have gravel parking lots and short walks to access the locations.
Location: Welcome Centers are at the Madison County Chamber & Welcome Center, 73 Jefferson St., Winterset, 515-462-1185; or St. Charles Welcome Center, 202 E. Main St., St. Charles; exploremadisoncounty.com.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_chokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_khokr8lb2mav5ubsddbH1_ iframeSusan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her onFacebook,Twitter, orInstagram, or drop her a line [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Bridges of Madison County: History, film locations, and how to visit
