Here Are 5 Of The Most Beautiful Iowa Covered Bridges To Explore This Fall
The world-famous bridges of Madison County are among the most recognizable Iowa landmarks. Spend fall in Madison County to see them at their most spectacular! Five of the original bridges of Madison County are still standing today – and a sixth has been rebuilt twice as a testament to Iowa’s commitment to preserving cultural history.
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The most famous of the Bridges is the Roseman bridge, which was a star of the movie Bridges of Madison County. It is the centerpiece of the film - where Robert Kincaid meets Francesca Johnson. It was built in 1883 and is 107 feet long. It is also one of the only bridges still in its original location.
The Imes Bridge was built in 1870 and stood over the Cedar River. It has been moved twice - once, in 1887 to cross the Clinton Creek and again in 1977, to where it sits today. It is the oldest of the bridges of Madison County, and it is 81 feet long.
The Hogback Covered Bridge stands over the North River. It was built in 1884 and is 107 feet long. The Hogback Bridge is named after a local geologic landmark and has a unique arch to it.
Cutler-Donahoe is a covered bridge built in 1870 by Eli Cox. It is one of the oldest covered bridges in the state! In 1979, it was moved to Winterset City Park, where it sits today to greet visitors at the entrance.
The Holliwell Covered Bridge was built in 1880. It is now just a landmark for visitors, and no longer a driveable bridge. It's a favorite photo spot for Iowans who spend fall in Madison County.
All of the above bridges have undergone renovations, but their original structures remain. The sixth remaining Covered Bridge in Madison County, the Cedar Bridge, is sadly not an original. Twice – in 2002 and 2017 – it was destroyed by arson. The Cedar Bridge is the one featured on the cover of the novel, and it is worth a visit when you’re enjoying fall in Madison County to pay some respect to the bridge’s history.
Address: 2451 Elderberry Ave, Winterset, IA 50273, USA
Address: 500 E Main St, St Charles, IA 50240, USA
Address: 1879 Hogback Bridge Rd, Winterset, IA 50273, USA
Address: 123 Holliwell Bridge Rd, Winterset, IA 50273, USA
Address: 300 S 9th St, Winterset, IA 50273, USA
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: [email protected]
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