Here Are 6 Of The Most Beautiful Iowa Covered Bridges To Explore This Fall

The world-famous bridges of Madison County, Iowa are among the most recognizable landmarks in the Hawkeye State. And fall is one of the best times to see these Madison County treasures at their most spectacular! Five of the original bridges of Madison County are still standing today – and a sixth has been rebuilt three as a testament to the county’s and the state’s commitment to preserving the important cultural history represented by these covered bridges in Iowa.

Roseman Covered Bridge, Elderberry Avenue, Winterset, IA, USA

larrybraunphotography.com via Moment, Getty Images

Since the release of the novella (written by Robert James Waller, a professor at the University of Northern Iowa) and the subsequent film in the 1990s, the most famous of the bridges is the Roseman Bridge. The Roseman Bridge was featured prominently in the film adaptation of The 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 that still remains in its original location.

Hogback Covered Bridge, Hogback Bridge Road, Winterset, IA, USA

Eddie Brady via The Image Bank, Getty Images

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 it also has an arch that makes it architecturally unique among the bridges.

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Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, South 9th Street, Winterset, IA, USA

Eddie Brady via The Image Bank, Getty Images

The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge was 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.

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Holliwell Covered Bridge, Holliwell Bridge Road, Winterset, IA, USA

Flickr / Phil Roeder

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 spot among Iowans who visit Madison County in the fall for capturing a covered bridge amid the autumnal colors.

Cedar Covered Bridge, Nature Court, Winterset, IA, USA

Brian W. Schaller/Wikimedia Commons

The Cedar Covered Bridge was originally built in 1883, and it was the last of the Madison County bridges that was open to motor vehicle traffic. In 1921, the bridge was moved to its present location over Cedar Creek. It has been destroyed by arson twice - and rebuilt twice - in the 21st century. This was the bridge in the novella where Francesca went to meet Robert Kincaid and help him take photographs.

Imes Covered Bridge, East Main Street, Saint Charles, IA, USA

Thebox1985/Wikimedia Commons

The Imes Covered 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.

Take a virtual tour of these famous covered bridges in Iowa with this YouTube video from Mancl Adventures:

The Madison County covered bridges in Iowa are worthy of a visit any time of year, but when they are surrounded by the blazing fall foliage of the Hawkeye State, they become particularly scenic and photogenic. Did you know that Madison County has a claim to fame other than its famous covered bridges? Winterset, the county seat, is the birthplace of Marion Morrison, who later gained considerable fame as the 20th century movie star John Wayne. You can learn even more about Madison County, its people and its bridges by taking a personal guided tour of the area.