When the 1992 novella Bridges of Madison County was turned into a film, this little county in the Hawkeye State was suddenly thrust into the spotlight. Madison County was famous within the state for its storied Iowa covered bridges. There were originally 19 of these old-fashioned beauties in the area, but only six remain. Each one has a story of its own, and every Iowan should visit these gorgeous covered bridges in Iowa at least once in their lives.

1. The Imes Bridge is the oldest of them all!

This covered crossing over the Middle River was built in 1870, making it the oldest of the Bridges of Madison County. It was moved to Clinton Creek in 1887, and finally moved to where it now stands in 1977, for preservation. This 81-foot-long bridge was renovated in 1997 and is one of the prettiest ones standing. Learn about the history of the Imes Bridge:

2. The Cedar Covered Bridge Has A Tragic History.

The original Cedar Bridge was built in 1883 and moved in 1921. In 2002, the famous bridge (which had been featured in the movie) was burned down by arsonists. It took two years for the bridge to be rebuilt. In 2017, arsonists struck and burned the bridge down to its foundation. It was rebuilt and once again reopened to the public in 2019. Take a winter drive through the Cedar Covered Bridge:

3. The Cutler-Donahoe Bridge is a friendly welcome to Winterset!

This 79-foot-long bridge was originally built in 1870 to cross the North River. As it fell out of use, the City of Winterset claimed it and moved it to the entrance of Winterset City Park in 1979.

4. The Hogback Covered Bridge is an Iowa countryside classic.

The Hogback is one of the few Bridges of Madison County that wasn't built by Eli Cox. In 1884, Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster put this one together over the North River. It's one of the most impressive and unique bridges still standing. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and renovated in 1992. Take a look inside the Hogback Covered Bridge:

5. The Holliwell Covered Bridge is a tribute to times gone by.

In 1880, Benton Jones designed this bridge to cross the Middle River. It was featured in the movie Bridges of Madison County, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In 1995, the bridge underwent a major renovation that cost over $225,000.

6. The Roseman Covered Bridge is more than just a storied centerpiece.

The Roseman Bridge is the most famous of the Bridges of Madison County, and it played a major role in the novel and film! It was built in 1883, crosses the Middle River, and was renovated in 1992.

It's on the National Register of Historic Places and holds a special place in the heart of Madison County residents.

Which of the Bridges of Madison County is your favorite? Personally, the unique style of the Hogback makes it my pick.

If you want to enjoy the best of Madison County life and culture, make plans to take a road trip to visit the Covered Bridges Festival this October!