Things to do & places to visit in Winterset, Iowa, United States

Winterset city in Iowa, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 6:10.

Top things to do (17)

Top places to visit (26 attractions)

5.0 Madison County Historical Complex (18 reviews)
- More than Bridges in Madison County
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

This historical complex captured our attention for several hours, especially the 1856 Bevington-Kaser House. The docents and other guides are superb in showing you so much about this areas history and artifacts. Children will enjoy the open spaces occupied by authentic buildings such as a post office and country school. There is so much more here than the Bridges and John Wayne Birthplace See more..
5.0 Madison County Mercantile, Inc. (2 reviews)
- Perfect place to find gifts from Iowa
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Madison County Mercantile, Inc., in Winterset, IA, is the area's leading boutique serving Creston, Osceola, Adel, Des Moines, Greenfield, Saint Charles, Indianola and surrounding areas since 1995. We offer home decor, antiques, jewelry, purses, handbags, women's clothing and accessories, home goods, gifts, candles and much more. For your next shopping trip, visit Madison County Mercantile, Inc. in Winterset. See more..
5.0 Harvest Creek (2 reviews)
- A magical shop!
Speciality & Gift Shops

You can feel the magic when you step inside! It’s filled with so many great things that make great gift ideas for yourself and others! See more..
5.0 Des Moines Skydivers (1 review)
- Thrilling way to celebrate my Birthday!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Skydiving

Folks, THIS is how you celebrate turning 60! On my bucket list and they did not disappoint! I chose the tandem jump from 13,000 feet just so I could have a longer free fall for a minute. Austin was my trustworthy tandem partner and he did a great job coaching me through the process. Loved that we did a back flip out of the plane, along with a few spins! Brandon was the videographer (the video package is money well spent – so do it!) who photographed some amazing shots and the video is so professionally finished. I had fun relishing the view once Austin pulled the parachute and our landing was as smooth as glass as we slid in on our tushies. We could not have asked for a better day with perfect fall weather! In all, it was a heavenly adventure! The staff is super friendly and fun! Most of all, they care for your safety! I did my research prior and was looking at skydiving companies in the Quad Cities and Chicago areas. I chose Des Moines Skydivers because of their user-friendly website, transparency of pricing, helpful FAQ section, and the fact that they are the only USPA drop zone in Iowa recognized by the FAA. And did I mention they’re fun? Thank you Des Moines Skydivers for making my 60th memorable and for being able to cross it off my bucket list! NOTE: This attraction is seasonal from April through end of October! Check booking calendar on their website for exact dates! See more..
4.5 John Wayne Birthplace & Museum (484 reviews)
- Must do for John Wayne fans
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

Tour the modest 4-room home where John Wayne was born, and visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum featuring the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, letters, artwork and sculpture--even one of his customized automobiles. Admission includes the Museum, a visit to the Birthplace house, and a small theater with a documentary on John Wayne's life, with a special welcome by his daughter Aissa. See more..
4.5 Roseman Bridge (236 reviews)
- Very pretty location
Bridges

We were going to visit all 6 bridges in the area but after visiting two realised they all look pretty much the same. This one is in a really beautiful location and featured in the film Bridges of Madison County. The scenery is truly stunning. There’s a gift shop (we bought two bottles of the local wine at $15 each but it was very sweet and syrupy, more like cooking wine). Also sells the usual mugs, T-shirts etc. A portaloo which was very clean next to the gift shop. I’m actually a big fan of street art and graffiti but was upset to see people have written their names all over the inside of the bridge. There are two parts painted white but people have scrawled all over the inside on the natural wood and I couldn’t believe the gift shop was selling Sharpie marker pens for this purpose right at the till. Madness. See more..
4.5 Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center (196 reviews)
- Madison County Court House
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers

Madison County is the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa, with the largest group of covered bridges that exists in one area in the western half of the Mississippi Valley. Six of the original nineteen covered bridges remain, five of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Roseman Covered Bridge and Holliwell Covered Bridge were both featured in the film "The Bridges of Madison County", and the Cedar Covered Bridge was featured on the cover of the novel "The Bridges of Madison County". The Madison County Chamber of Commerce specializes in guided personal and group tours of the covered bridges and other historic sites around Madison County. See more..
4.5 Hogback Covered Bridge (95 reviews)
- BEAUTIFUL WELL MAINTAINED COVERED BRIDGE
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Bridges

I love covered bridges and there are several in the Winterset/Madison County area. Most of them were featured in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County." I was a little pressed for time and decided to visit the Hogback Covered Bridge because it was fairly close to my intended route and would not require me to go too far out of my way. It is a beautiful well maintained bridge that was built about 1884. It is about 100-feet long and is still at its original location. It was a quick photo stop for me and I spent probably less than 30-minutes on site. See more..
4.5 Courthouse Square (80 reviews)
- Center-point of Winterset
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Courthouse square is such a blast from the past. The building is beautiful and the square surrounding it has many cute shops and restaurants. I love the Ben Franklin store. The grounds are well maintained. It gave me a glimpse into the past. See more..
4.5 Holliwell Bridge (71 reviews)
- #1 Reviewer
Bridges

Very good place to visit, from the movie Bridger of Madison County wth Clint Eastwood. Nice serene place to visit See more..
4.5 Cutler-Donahoe Bridge (66 reviews)
- Bridge to the past
Bridges

First of all, it is the Cutler-DonahUe Bridge, according to the bridge. It is placed in a lovely location, in a beautiful park. There is a plaque nearby that tells its history. We enjoyed walking through it. It is sad to see a fire sprinkler system in it, but I suppose it is necessary to protect it. The bridge is in excellent shape. See more..
4.5 Iowa Quilt Museum (41 reviews)
- Wonderful experience even if you aren’t a quilter!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

With 25-30 quilts on display at a time, the Iowa Quilt Museum's mission is to promote the appreciation of the American Quilt and the art of quilting through displays of quilts and information about quilts. Exhibits change every 3-4 months. Our beautifully historic building is a top-notch backdrop for the beauty of the American Quilt. See more..
4.5 Winterset City Park (17 reviews)
- must see when in winterset
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges • Scenic Walking Areas

when you go to see the cutler-donahue bridge, be sure to also see the tree carvings of the eagle and owls in the park. also drive to see the tower. the park is clean and we felt safe here. See more..
4.5 Winterset Cidery (16 reviews)
- Great service & great local cider!
Wineries & Vineyards

Stopped after a hike enjoying fall colors. It was busier than I expected for a fall Friday afternoon. The flights were reasonably priced. They are selling the bottles as fast as they can bottle them! Only bottled cider available for purchase was pumpkin spice. See more..
4.5 Covered Bridges Winery (11 reviews)
- A local favorite winery
Wineries & Vineyards

We always enjoy a visit to Covered Bridges Winery. Tastings are free. The tasting room is spacious. There's a large area for sitting with a beautiful view of the countryside. They're featuring local artists on Saturdays and Sundays during this holiday season. Check FB for details. Their Edelweiss has to be the best in Iowa, or darned close. It's delicious. The parking area is large enough for oversized vehicles or trailers unless they have a music event... In which case you should arrive early to park. See more..
4.5 Ben Franklin Variety Store (9 reviews)
- Highlight of My Trip
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

I am from Oklahoma and it was well worth the drive just to shop at this store. I couldn't believe the prices ! Such friendly people and huge selection of merchandise. I enjoyed the town of Winterset but this stop was the highlight of my trip. Would love to come back. See more..
4.5 The Winterset Stage (3 reviews)
- Fun Evening
Theatre & Performances

Wifey and I were in Winterset to see the Bridges of Madison County and wanted to do something interesting in the evening. The Chamber of Commerce mentioned the Winterset Stage so we surfed their website and signed up for the pre-show dinner of fried chicken and the show "Smoke on the Mountain". The owners, Cindy and Jason Stanbro, are hands on and make certain everything runs like clockwork which is rare during a dinner theater performance. The cast was quite talented and presented an excellent show. The nicely laid out theater appears to be patronized almost exclusively by locals since most folks in the audience seem to know each other - bit of a shame that more visitors don't participate and enjoy the local talent. See more..
4.5 Iowa Theatre (3 reviews)
- Lovely Theater
Theaters

Lovely historical theater! It was like stepping back in time! Beautiful and well kept, clean and comfortable! They have a Way Back Wednesday where they show movies from the past, but also show current movies. Great experience. See more..
4.0 Clark Tower (149 reviews)
- Unique Structure
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

One does not typically find a structure like this in Iowa. Pleasant scenic drive to get there. Nice views from the top of the tower. See more..
4.0 Cedar Bridge (52 reviews)
- Great Replica
Bridges

Of all of the six bridges of Madison County, this is the only one you can actually drive through. That is because it is a replica of the original bridge. This modern day bridge is strong enough to support traffic and has a fire suppression system. This one is north of Winterset, Iowa. Most of the way there is paved, unlikely most of the bridges. It is beautiful. See more..
4.0 Pammel Park (38 reviews)
- Stay at a yurt
Parks

There were 2 yurts to rent when we arrived. “Oak” had a small bit of land for kids to play in. “Hickory” (where the 6 of us stayed) was on a big piece of manicured lawn. My boys played baseball, football, & soccer on the grounds. During a campfire, we were visited by a raccoon. The mosquitos were pretty bad in the woods, but not in the grassy area. A negative was that there was no sink in the yurt. We used a well pump just outside the door. The nearest bathroom took 1 minute to walk to. Restrooms were clean, but small. (Only 1 toilet in the men’s’ room. Our group alone had 5 males.). In the yurt, There were 3 queen beds and two twins. (Sleeps 8). Two picnic tables. One inside, one outside. The ac was very strong & we kept very cool on hot days. I totally recommend staying in a yurt. See more..
4.0 North River Stone Schoolhouse (10 reviews)
- A Period Loo ?
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

We passed this Beautiful little Schoolhouse (on the prairie) on our last visit and for its age it is still in great shape, built in 1874 but no sign as to how you can access it ? Since our last visit they have sneakily added an outdoor restroom or a Dunny or Thunderbox in Australian ! It has been made to reflect the period but wasn't there in 2014 ?? Oh well , it looks the part ! See more..
Riverside Raceway (0 review)
Game & Entertainment Centers
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Winterset Aviation Services Inc. (0 review)
Air Tours

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1st Avenue Collective (0 review)
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Look at our Facebook and our Website for Class Information! 1st Avenue Collective, in Winterset, Iowa, is the area's leading gift shop serving Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale and surrounding areas since 2015. We offer jewelry classes, custom made and handcrafted gifts, pottery, art, candles and more. For your next gift, visit 1st Avenue Collective in Winterset. See more..
Spoons Full Of Sugar Boutique (0 review)
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops

Spoons Full Of Sugar Boutique, in Winterset, Iowa, is the area's premier boutique serving Indianola, Norwalk, Waukee, Adel, Atlantic and surrounding areas. We specialize in personalized jewelry, women's clothing, shoes and accessories, home decor and much more. For your next shopping spree, visit Spoons Full Of Sugar Boutique in Winterset. See more..