Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Travel the back roads through the heart of Madison County under the wing of one of our guide experts, who are all residents of Madison County. Madison County's world-famous covered bridges were the inspiration behind, and the setting of the novel by Robert James Waller and the 1995 film "The Bridges of Madison County", starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.
Six of the original nineteen covered bridges remain, making Madison County the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa. Five of the bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each two-hour personal guided tour includes information about the construction and history of the bridges, the movie production, and a variety of other local historical information. You will visit three of the county's most popular covered bridges and have a chance to walk through them and take plenty of photographs.
Available options
Personal Guided Tour
Two-hour guided tour. Must provide own transportation with one seat available for tour guide. For 1-5 passengers within one car.
What's included
Local guide
Private tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your tour guide at the Welcome Center, located on Winterset's courthouse square. Your guide will tell you briefly about the history of Winterset and Madison County, and the 1876 limestone courthouse at the town's center.
2
Explore the Roseman Covered Bridge, one of two bridges featured in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County", starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Built in 1883, the Roseman spans Middle River and is thought by some to be haunted. The Roseman is a perfect example of the flat-roofed covered bridges that are unique to Madison County.
3
One of the six remaining covered bridges of Madison County, the Cutler-Donahoe was moved to City Park in Winterset in 1970 on its 100th birthday. City Park also features an English hedge maze, a stone bridge (featured in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County"), and one of Iowa's often cited hidden gems, Clark Tower (a three-story stone monument that resembles a castle).
4
Explore the Holliwell Covered Bridge, the second of the two bridges featured in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County", starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Built in 1880, it is the longest of Madison County's covered bridges, spanning 110 feet over Middle River. Be sure to view this beautiful bridge from the river bank.
What's not included
Gratuities
Transportation to/from attractions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
25 reviews
5★
23
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
32 reviews
5★
28
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour takes place using the traveler's own vehicle and gas.
Wear and tear on the vehicle is not the responsibility of the tour guide
Must have a proper seat and seat belt available for your tour guide
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Be prepared for uneven surfaces at the sites visited which may be difficult for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Meeting point
Your guide will meet you at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.
Important notes
• Wear and tear on the vehicle are not the responsibility of the tour guide
• This tour takes place using the travelers vehicle
• Gas is not provided
• Tour guide will ride in your vehicle and will need a working seat with their own seat belt
About Iowa
Iowa is known for its rolling farmlands, charming small towns, and vibrant college communities. It offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and hearty Midwestern hospitality. The state is famous for its cornfields, but it also boasts diverse landscapes, from the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi River to the serene lakes of the Great Lakes region.
Top Attractions
Amana Colonies
A group of seven villages settled by German immigrants in the 19th century, known for their craft shops, wineries, and traditional German cuisine.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Moderate
Maquoketa Caves State Park
A scenic state park featuring limestone caves, hiking trails, and beautiful landscapes in the Driftless Area of Iowa.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free
Iowa State Capitol
A stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture, the Iowa State Capitol is the seat of the Iowa government and offers guided tours.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
A breaded and fried pork tenderloin served on a bun, often topped with various sauces and vegetables. It's a staple of Iowa's culinary scene.
Main Course
Not vegetarian or vegan
Scandinavian Open-Face Sandwiches
Influenced by Iowa's Scandinavian heritage, these sandwiches feature a slice of rye bread topped with various ingredients like pickled herring, eggs, or smoked salmon.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with appropriate toppings
Cornbread
A sweet and crumbly bread made from cornmeal, often served as a side dish with barbecue or other hearty meals.
Side Dish
Vegetarian, but may contain dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking
Biking
Caving
Fishing
Boating
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Iowa, offering warm weather and numerous outdoor activities. This is the best time for festivals, outdoor sports, and exploring the state's natural beauty.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, German, Scandinavian languages
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Central Time Zone (CT), UTC-6 (Standard Time), UTC-5 (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Iowa is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially after dark
Getting there
By air
- Des Moines International Airport • 5 km from city center
- Eastern Iowa Airport • 10 km from city center
By train
Chicago to Omaha Amtrak
By bus
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport
Getting around
Public transport
DART offers a reliable bus service within Des Moines, making it easy to get around the city. Other cities have limited public transport options.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
East Village
West Des Moines
Day trips
Pella
150 km from Des Moines • Full day
A historic Dutch settlement known for its windmills, tulip gardens, and traditional Dutch festivals.
Lake Okoboji
300 km from Des Moines • Full day or overnight
A popular lakeside destination offering boating, fishing, and other water activities, as well as beautiful beaches and resorts.
Festivals
Iowa State Fair • Mid-August
Tulip Time Festival • Early May
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
- Explore the state's diverse landscapes, from the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi River to the serene lakes of the Great Lakes region
- Try local specialties like pork tenderloin sandwiches, Scandinavian open-face sandwiches, and cornbread
- Attend local festivals and events, such as the Iowa State Fair and Tulip Time Festival, for a unique cultural experience
- Support local businesses and farmers by shopping at farmers' markets and eating at locally-owned restaurants
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
