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Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

Overview

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.

City: Iowa

Sat 28 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.77

Make a reservation

Sat 28 Jun

Starting at $30.77

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Local guide

Private tour

Additional Info

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

What To Expect

Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center

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.

Roseman Bridge

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.

Cutler-Donahoe Bridge

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).

Holliwell Bridge

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.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (49)

Michele_K

Aug 2023

Our guide, Phyllis, was so pleasant!’ She had so much information to share, not only about the bridges, but about Winterset & Iowa as well. It was one ( if not THE) best tours we’ve ever taken. Loved it!!!

Response from Host

Jun 2024

Thank you, Michele. We are so happy that you loved your tour and time in Madison County.

robertjA5944TE

Aug 2023

This was a delightful tour! From the moment we walked into the Chamber of Commerce office, we were greeted with kindness and a welcoming spirit. And then we received the finest of guides in that of Bob! What about Bob? Everything about Bob was great. He was informative, interesting, inspiring and completely knowledgeable about all the places he took us. Highest ratings for Bob! He could make a dead horse interesting! Highest ratings for the tour. Outstanding experience.

Response from Host

May 2024

Thank you Robert for your great review. We appreciate hearing that our tour guides are representing Madison County so well.

cynthiak474

Aug 2023

This tour is offered by the Winterset Chamber of Commerce and is absolutely amazing. The guide got into our car and took us to 3 of the bridges and other important and fun sites in and around Winterset. She was very knowledgable about the history and was lots of fun! I have been to Winterset before, and tried to find some bridges on my own. This tour is a far better way to see them.

Response from Host

May 2024

Thank you Cynthia. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour experience.