Winterset Travel Guide

Tourist 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
The price is AU$139 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
AU$139
3 Feb - 4 Feb
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! (716 reviews)
Clean rooms. Friendly staff and easy to find

Reviewed on 18 Jan 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
The price is AU$235 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$235
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,079 reviews)
The staff was amazing--I had booked for the wrong week and showed up. I did a chat with Expedia and they got on the phone with the staff at the hotel. There was room at the inn--so they switched the booking for me for no extra charge. I was thrilled! the staff of the hotel greeted us each day, brought ...

Reviewed on 20 Jan 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
The price is AU$158 per night from 6 Feb to 7 Feb
AU$158
6 Feb - 7 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,818 reviews)
Loved it!

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
See all 553 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 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 12 Jan 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
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 ...
9.2/10 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 21 Jan 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
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
We had lots of fun. Several things broken and not real clean. But still had lots of fun.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 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

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

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

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

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

Pammel State Park

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

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

Hogback Bridge