Winterset Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA

2.5 out of 5
1304 North 4th Avenue Winterset IA
The price is AU$145 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$145
24 Mar - 25 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Winterset. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (719 reviews)
Parking easy. Staff personable. Clean rooms. Will stay here again!!

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA
Covered Bridge Inn

Covered Bridge Inn

2.5 out of 5
1312 Cedar Bridge Rd. Winterset IA
The price is AU$113 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$113
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Winterset. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (776 reviews)
The room was clean and everything worked properly

Reviewed on 5 Mar 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
The price is AU$208 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$208
4 Apr - 5 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,091 reviews)
We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. Room was comfortable and clean. The restaurants, both Proudfoot and Hibnob, were great. The bartender at Proudfoot was the best!

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
See all 560 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 holiday home in Winterset. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions John Wayne Birthplace Museum and The Winterset Stage ...
The Little Brick House - Walkable to the Square Dining & Shopping
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
Stay at this golf holiday home in Waukee. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Hawthorne Center ...
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 21 Feb 2026

LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
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
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
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 15 Feb 2026

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

You can learn about the history of Winterset when you stop by Roseman Bridge. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Roseman Bridge
An Old Red Covered Bridge

Holliwell Bridge

Learn about the local history of Winterset when you take a trip to 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

You can find out about the history of Winterset with a trip to 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

You can learn about the history of Winterset with a trip to Cedar Bridge. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Cedar Bridge

John Wayne Birthplace Museum

5/5(1 review)

You can spend an afternoon studying 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

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