The Day Trip Of A Lifetime You Can Only Take In Iowa

Do you want to experience one of the many attractions Iowa has to offer? We have so many opportunities to get out of the house for an amazing day trip. If you want to get out and see some of the incredible sights our state has to offer, then this trip is for you. A visit to Iowa’s magical and iconic covered bridges, as well as the charming nearby town of Winterset, will transport you to another world.

The bridges of Madison County are possibly some of the most famous and beautiful attractions Iowa has to offer.

Flickr/Mike Spasoff

Six of Madison County’s original 19 covered bridges remain standing. Those remaining six bridges inspired a best-selling novel and movie.

Flickr/Joe Utsler

The six remaining covered bridges are: Cedar Covered Bridge, Cutler–Donahoe Bridge, Hogback Covered Bridge, Holliwell Covered Bridge, Imes Bridge and Roseman Covered Bridge.

Flickr/Andy Langager

Flickr/AnnCN

In nearby Winterset, there’s a covered bridge festival in October, where you can take a guided bus tour of the bridges and enjoy music, a quilt show, local artists, and even a parade.

Facebook/Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

Once you’ve toured the bridges, make sure to pay a visit to Winterset, a charming little town with plenty to do and see.

Flickr/damian entwistle

While you’re in town, you’ll definitely want to visit the city park. In the park, you can climb to Clark Tower, a castle-style tower that offers panoramic views of the Middle River Valley.

Flickr/minnemom

And explore the hedge maze where you can wander to the center and find the sundial in the middle.

Flickr/Courtney “Coco” Mault

And last but not least, no trip to Winterset would be complete without a visit to the legendary John Wayne’s Birthplace & Museum.

Flickr/John Jacobsen This is the only museum in the world dedicated to John Wayne, with plenty of exhibits and artifacts like original movie posters and film wardrobe.

For more of Iowa’s amazing destinations, check out these 10 Places In Iowa You Must See Before You Die.