About this city
Also known as: Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa
Winterset is a remarkably beautiful, culturally legendary historic county seat positioned beautifully atop the rolling limestone hills of Madison County in southwestern Iowa. Laid out meticulously in 1849, the town commercial square is anchored by a majestic limestone courthouse built from the famous local quarries. Winterset holds a dual, immortal position in global pop culture as the historic capital of the romantic, covered bridges made famous by Robert James Waller's novel, and as the birthplace of Hollywood silver-screen legend John Wayne.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Tour the pristine historic timber structures of the Covered Bridges of Madison County, step inside the birthplace home and museum of John Wayne, and explore the boutique artisan shops of the limestone Downtown Square.
