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Historical heritage · Winterset, Iowa
Bridges of Madison County
Six wooden roofed bridges built between 1870 and 1884 on rural roads around Winterset, including the Roseman and Holliwell, settings for Clint Eastwood’s film.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bridges of Madison County
Madison County once had 19 covered bridges in the 19th century. The roof protected the wooden beams from rain and snow, extending the bridge’s life. Six remain standing, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and can be visited on foot with no admission fee.
The Roseman, from 1883, spans the Middle River and is the best known: in Robert James Waller’s book and Clint Eastwood’s 1995 film it’s where the photographer meets the protagonist. The Holliwell, from 1880, is the longest at about 37 meters. The Imes and Cutler-Donahoe, from 1870, are the oldest; the latter was moved to Winterset’s city park. The Hogback sits in a quiet valley to the north, and the Cedar, rebuilt in 2004 after a fire, is the only one still open to car traffic.
The visitor center on Winterset’s square distributes a map with the route. Some roads are gravel. On the second weekend of October the town holds the covered-bridges festival.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the main ones; a full day for all six.
Best time
From May to October; in October for the festival and the fall foliage. Right after heavy rains, some gravel roads can become muddy.
How to get there
The Roseman is about 15 km southwest of Winterset; the Cutler-Donahoe is in the city park. Pick up the map at the visitor center on the square.
Tip
Start with the Cutler-Donahoe in the city park and the Cedar, which are closer; save the Roseman for late afternoon.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bridges of Madison County
Which bridge is in the film The Bridges of Madison County?
The main one is the Roseman, from 1883, southwest of Winterset. The Holliwell also appears in the film.
Is there a fee to visit Madison County’s covered bridges?
No admission is charged. The bridges are on public roads and are visited on foot.
Can you see all six covered bridges in one day?
Yes, by car, in about half a day to a full day following the visitor center map. Some roads are gravel.