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.

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Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA

2.5 out of 5
1304 North 4th Avenue Winterset IA
$96 nightly
The price is $108 total per night from Mar 4 to Mar 5
$108 total
Mar 4 - Mar 5
Total with taxes and fees
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! (717 reviews)
The room was clean and quiet and we were able to adjust the temperature in the room easily. There was a free hot breakfast in the morning with plenty of options. It worked very well for our work stay.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA
Covered Bridge Inn

Covered Bridge Inn

2.5 out of 5
1312 Cedar Bridge Rd. Winterset IA
$79 nightly
The price is $88 total per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
$88 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Winterset. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (774 reviews)
The staff was very kind, even checking to make sure we were going to get there ok. Clean, comfortable room and a good breakfast.

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026

Covered Bridge Inn
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
$144 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
$161 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Total with taxes and fees
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,088 reviews)
Great room, restaurants, and staff.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
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.
The Little Brick House - Walkable to the Square Dining & Shopping

The Little Brick House - Walkable to the Square Dining & Shopping

Winterset IA
Stay at this vacation home in Winterset. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Cutler-Donahoe Covered ...
The Little Brick House - Walkable to the Square Dining & Shopping
SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!

SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!

Des Moines IA
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
It was a very nice place to stay and fun thing to do at the house hope to use it on our yearly trip to Des Moines next year thanks for everything

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2026

SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!

LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!

Waukee IA
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Waukee. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Hawthorne ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (77 reviews)
This home was perfect for our group. The hot tub was very nice and clean. We utilized the grill and outside seating area. The downstairs bar area was a great hang out for our group. The kids had fun playing pool and ping pong. The beds were very comfortable. We will definitely stay again.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2026

LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
See all 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.

Popular places to visit

An Old Red Covered Bridge Over A River

Roseman Bridge

4/5(5 reviews)

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
An Old Red Covered Bridge

Holliwell Bridge

4.5/5(6 reviews)

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

Clark Tower

4/5(4 reviews)

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

4.5/5(5 reviews)

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

John Wayne Birthplace Museum

4.5/5(62 reviews)

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

4.5/5(21 reviews)

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.

Cities near Winterset

Badger Creek State Recreation Area (near Van meter)

Van Meter

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