Winterset, IA

Travel Guide

#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.
#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.
The most famous of the Bridges of Madison County, built a century ago. Clint Eastwood used this location while filming The Bridges of Madison County. #cinematrove #TroverDetour
Clark Tower is one of my favorite spots. 3 levels, spiral stairs and beautiful stone.
One of the famous bridges of Madison County, resides at the Winterset City Park.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA

2.5 out of 5
1304 North 4th Avenue Winterset IA
$89 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Jan 30 to Jan 31
$100 total
Jan 30 - Jan 31
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! (716 reviews)
Clean rooms. Friendly staff and easy to find

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026

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
$144 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$161 total
Feb 1 - Feb 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,075 reviews)
Loved this property! The staff was extremely helpful. The room and bathroom were very nice. We enjoyed our stay very much!

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
$83 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jan 26 to Jan 27
$93 total
Jan 26 - Jan 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,818 reviews)
Loved it!

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
See all 557 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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
An absolutely wonderful place to stay. Comfortable beds, great living room space to relax, and although we didn't really use the kitchen, it was one of the best stocked ones in all of our stays in VRBOs. Definitely will stay here again when in the area!

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (67 reviews)
The house was extremely well-stocked and had tons of space for our group. Everyone enjoyed the activities in the basement!

Reviewed on Jan 21, 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
We had lots of fun. Several things broken and not real clean. But still had lots of fun.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 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

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

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

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

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

Pammel State Park

3.5/5(3 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pammel State Park during your travels in Winterset. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Pammel State Park

Hogback Bridge

4/5(9 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Winterset with a stop at Hogback Bridge. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Hogback Bridge

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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