These 6 Beautiful Covered Bridges In Iowa Will Remind You Of A Much Simpler Time
By Michaela Kendall|Updated on September 02, 2023(Originally published April 02, 2016)
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Michaela Kendall
Author
Michaela is a born and raised Iowan. She writes for a newspaper by day, and writes content for websites by night. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, or just binge watching Netflix.
The famed Clint Eastwood movie “The Bridges of Madison County” was one of the biggest hits of the early 1990s, and the book that it was based on was also a bestseller. The story brought to light all the absolutely beautiful covered bridges in Iowa and had many people wondering, since it was a work of fiction, “Are there covered bridges in Iowa?” The answer is a resounding yes, that there actually are covered bridges in Iowa, and they’re just as spectacular as you’d expect after watching this touching film. Next time you don’t have plans on a sunny afternoon, consider taking a driving tour. If you’ve been wondering, “Are there covered bridges near me,” this is one road trip you’ll definitely be interested in!
1. Hogback Covered Bridge: Winterset
Hogback Covered Bridge, Hogback Bridge Road, Winterset, IA, USA
Hogback Covered Bridge is one of the original 19 bridges of Madison County. It was built in 1884 and is one of just six covered bridges in Iowa's Madison County today. Hogback Covered Bridge gets its name from the limestone ridge which forms the west end of the nearby valley. Surprisingly enough, the bridge still sits in its original location in a valley north of Winterset. In 1992, the bridge was renovated at a cost of $118,810. You can learn more from the Madison County, Iowa Chamber and Welcome Center website.
2. Roseman Covered Bridge: Winterset
Roseman Covered Bridge, Elderberry Avenue, Winterset, IA, USA
Another of the original covered bridges in Madison County is the magnificent Roseman Covered Bridge. This one features prominently in "The Bridges of Madison County" film. Robert (Clint Eastwood) is looking for this bridge to photograph it, and it's there that he meets Francesca, played by Meryl Streep in an Academy Award-nominated performance. The bridge is also the site where a character's ashes are later scattered.
Another fun fact about this Iowa covered bridge is that it's allegedly one of the most haunted places in Iowa. A number of spooky stories surround the bridge. One of the most famous legends is that two sheriff's posses were attempting to trap a county jail escapee in the bridge in 1892. According to legend, the man rose straight up through the bridge, uttered a wild cry, and disappeared. He was never found.
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3. Cedar Covered Bridge: Winterset
Cedar Covered Bridge, 1874 Nature Ct, Winterset, IA 50273, USA
The Cedar Covered Bridge was built in 1883 by Benton Jones. It is currently the only covered bridge on this list that is open to vehicular traffic. It was built over Cedar Creek, just north of Winterset, on what is now U.S. Highway 169. It was later moved to its present location (over the same creek) in 1921.
In "The Bridges of Madison County," Cedar Covered Bridge is where Francesca goes to meet Robert to help him take photographs. In 1998, the bridge was renovated at a cost of over $128,000. In 2002, the bridge was tragically destroyed by an arsonist. The bridge was rebuilt only to be destroyed again in 2017 by another arsonist. A new replica was constructed and is still standing today. Check out the Madison County, Iowa Chamber and Welcome Center website.
Holliwell Covered Bridge was built in 1880 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster. This is the longest of these covered bridges in Iowa, measuring 122 feet in length. It remains in its original site over the Middle River, just southeast of Winterset. In 1995, the Holliwell Covered Bridge was renovated at a cost of $225,000. It also features prominently in the film "The Bridge of Madison County." Learn more on the Madison County, Iowa Chamber and Welcome Center website.
5. Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge: Winterset
Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, South 9th Street, Winterset, IA, USA
When it was first built in 1870 by Eli Cox, the Cutler-Donahoe Bridge was located over the North River, not far from Bevington. It was moved to its current location in the Winterset City Park in 1970. In 1997, Cutler-Donahoe underwent a renovation at a cost of $35,000. Winterset City Park is one of the best urban parks in Iowa and definitely worthy of a visit.
6. Imes Covered Bridge: St. Charles
Imes Covered Bridge, East Main Street, Saint Charles, IA, USA
The Imes Covered Bridge is the oldest of the remaining Iowa covered brides. It was built in 1870 and originally located over the Middle River towards Patterson. In 1887, it was moved to a spot in Hanley. In 1977, it was again moved, this time to its present site over a natural ravine in St. Charles. In 1997, it underwent a renovation at a cost of $31,000. You can learn more from the Madison County, Iowa Chamber and Welcome Center website.
These covered bridges in Iowa are some of the most beautiful in the country, wouldn’t you agree? No matter what season you explore them in, it’s a wonderful adventure to see them all.
Next time you’re looking to hit the road, whether it’s to Iowa covered bridges or beyond, check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List to make sure you’re prepared for whatever life throws your way.
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Are There Covered Bridges in Iowa?
Lisa Sammons|September 01, 2023
Are there any other covered bridges near me?
There are nine authentic covered bridges in Iowa today, and six of them are considered historic.
What are some other great road trips in Iowa?
No matter where you live in Iowa, there are sure to be great road trips near you. Here are a few of our favorites:
