2398. See the Bridges of Madison County

 If the hubby says he wants to go to John Wayne Birthplace and Trainland USA, I say we are going to Bridges of Madison County. It's only fair right? 

The Bridges of Madison County are six covered bridges near Winterset, IA in Madison County which the book and movie are based off of. I always seen the sign as we drive to Arizona for the Bridges of Madison County and figured we were going this trip. Besides it is on our to see John Wayne's Birthplace.

Most of the covered bridges are down gravel roads. I asked the hubby if he wanted to see them all because of the gravel road and he said yes. When I say gravel roads, I don't mean take a county road to a gravel road and at the end of the gravel road is the covered bridge. No, the county roads are gravel roads... well maintained county roads but gravel roads nevertheless. 

The route we took was from Omaha to Des Moines (West to East) and allowed us the route with the least amount of backtracking. If you are coming from the east, just reverse the route. This makes the most sense because the first and last bridge are a bit farther away than the other four. Most of them area within 10 minutes of each other and the other two are about 15-20 from the next closest bridge. Total drive time from the first to last covered bridge with visiting all six bridges is about an hour and it is about a 37 miles trip. We did stop at John Wayne's Birthplace and the Castle Tower as we made our way through Winterset as it made logistical sense.

The Bridges in the order we visited them. Some of them are in their original location and others have been moved there. Most are original. Some of been rebuilt. 

Roseman Covered Bridge

Hogback Covered Bridge

Cedar Covered Bridge -- the only covered bridge you can drive through. The hubby was excited by this.

Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge -- This one is located in a city park. There is also a castle tower in the park we checked out. 

Holliwell Covered Bridge

Imes Covered Bridge.

The Covered Bridges is actually part of the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. It is actually a very beautiful drive and would be gorgeous in fall.

If you are passing through Iowa and need a break form I80, definitely go check out the covered bridges. The welcome center in Winterset can give you a map and more information about the bridges. We did not stop there as I did my research ahead of time. If you like covered bridges at all, it is worth the drive to check out.