Winterset, IA

Travel Guide

hogback covered bridge, summer
hogback covered bridge, summer
Hogback Bridge over North River - Winterset, Iowa
Hogback Bridge, Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, Iowa
#adventure Built in 1883 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster, Roseman is 107 feet in length and sits in its original location. It was renovated in 1992 at a cost of $152,515. In Robert James Waller’s novel, The Bridges of Madison County, and the movie of the same name, Roseman is the bridge Robert Kincaid seeks when he stops at Francesca Johnson’s home for directions. It is also where Francesca leaves her note inviting him to dinner. Also known as the “haunted” bridge, Roseman is where two sheriff’s posses trapped a county jail escapee in 1892. It is said the man rose up straight through the roof of the bridge, uttering a wild cry, and disappeared. He was never found, and it was decided that anyone capable of such a feat must be innocent.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA

2.5 out of 5
1304 North 4th Avenue Winterset IA
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Winterset. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (716 reviews)
Clean rooms. Friendly staff and easy to find

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

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Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,080 reviews)
The staff was amazing--I had booked for the wrong week and showed up. I did a chat with Expedia and they got on the phone with the staff at the hotel. There was room at the inn--so they switched the booking for me for no extra charge. I was thrilled! the staff of the hotel greeted us each day, brought ...

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

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Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3 out of 5
2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
Friendly, helpful front desk agent. Room was clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

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Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
See all 556 properties in Winterset
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines

Kasa Downtown Des Moines

4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way Des Moines IA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casey's Center ...
9/10 Wonderful! (113 reviews)
The property had the basics of what we needed and worked well for our family. Staff had great communication. Laundry was good.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Iowa City 4br Backyard Walk To Stadium 4 Bedroom Home

Iowa City 4br Backyard Walk To Stadium 4 Bedroom Home

3 out of 5
330 Koser Avenue Iowa City IA
Stay at this vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Finkbine Golf Course and Kinnick Stadium are located ...
Iowa City 4br Backyard Walk To Stadium 4 Bedroom Home
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

An Old Red Covered Bridge Over A River

Roseman Bridge

You can learn about the history of Winterset with a stop at Roseman Bridge. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Roseman Bridge
Clark Tower is one of my favorite spots. 3 levels, spiral stairs and beautiful stone.

Clark Tower

You can find out about the history of Winterset with a stop at Clark Tower. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Clark Tower
Cedar Bridge under trees - Winterset, Iowa

Cedar Bridge

You can learn about the history of Winterset when you stop by Cedar Bridge. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Cedar Bridge
An Old Red Covered Bridge

Holliwell Bridge

Learn about the local history of Winterset when you spend time at Holliwell Bridge. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Holliwell Bridge

John Wayne Birthplace Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winterset. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

John Wayne Birthplace Museum

Madison County Courthouse

Madison County Courthouse is just one of the places to see in Winterset, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Madison County Courthouse

Reviews of Winterset

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
32
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We visited the bridges of Madison county and local wineries. Beautiful drives.

5/5 - Excellent

Terri

Loved Winterset. John Wayne museum was nightlight. Enjoyed seeing the covered bridges. The downtown was so authentic...took you back in time. Beautiful old building. Beautiful parks. Hope to go back when the weather is nicer.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Very limited dining choices for an area with many wonderful sites to see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great place, we enjoyed our visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Patty

Loved the town, it was small but very nice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful town. Locals are very friendly and make you feel at home. The bridges are one of our favorite places to visit.