Plan A Trip To Winterset, One Of Iowa’s Most Charming Historic Towns

Where is Winterset, Iowa? You'll find this charming little town about 45 minutes southwest of Des Moines. Whether Winterset, Iowa is a familiar favorite or a new adventure, it's the perfect place for a short getaway in any season of the year! Historian? This town was founded in 1849. Bridge lover? Winterset has you covered, literally. Museum connoisseur? Downtown Winterset, Iowa has those, too. Hiker? The trails in the city park and in the nearby state park are amazing. Hungry? There are plenty of restaurant options to suit every taste bud and so many things to do in Winterset, Iowa.

Winterset, Iowa is one of many picture-perfect towns around the state.

Of course, it's changed since the olden days, but not as much as you might expect! For example, you can still visit Courthouse Square (shown here in 1907) today and find many of these same buildings.

But in addition to a charming, historic downtown area, Winterset has other unique qualities, like a John Wayne Museum. This was Wayne's birthplace, after all!

And don't miss the Iowa Quilt Museum located at 68 East Court Avenue on the south side of town. This artful museum seeks to promote an appreciation of quilting through displays about the history of the American quilt and plenty of beautifully crafted real-life examples.

Winterset is also well-known as the home of Bridges of Madison County thanks to its many picturesque covered bridges, including Hogback (pictured), Roseman, Holliwell, Cutler-Donahoe, and Cedar Bridges.

You can take a driving tour of all five of them in less than a single afternoon.

A hidden gem in the heart of the city is Winterset City Park, which features hiking trails through the lower park natural area and the historic Clark Tower in addition to the more traditional playground/restroom/picnic shelter facilities. You can find the park at 300 South 9th Street.

In fact, your covered bridge driving tour will take you right through this park, as the Cutler-Donahoe Bridge is located within its 76-acre bounds!

Winterset is also the home of Pammel State Park, where you can relax along the riverfront, camp in a yurt, hike, or picnic. To reach Pammel Park, you get to pass through the only highway tunnel in all of Iowa. You can find Pammel Park at 1900 Pammel Park Road.

Check out this gorgeous park that you can find in Winterset:

See what we mean? Winterset, Iowa really does have something fun for everyone! Have you ever visited this charming area? Which attractions were your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

After your visit to Winterset, for another charming adventure in the Hawkeye State, try a visit to the historic village in Pella.