Winterset Things to Do

This bridge (well, the original) was on the cover of the movie and on Sept 3, 2002 it was burned by an arsonist and in this picture, taken August, 2004 it was being rebuilt and has since been finished. Maybe the person was mad about the questionable morals of the characters of the film, or the new tourist interest it had brought to the town or both or something else. Who knows why they did such a selfish thing. So far the person(s) have not been caught and there is a reward of $41,000 offered for information leading to their arrest and conviction. They also attepted to burn "Franchescas house", and the Hogback bridge.

First stop: in the center of town, go to the Tourist office, its next to the right of where this picture was taken, in the main square. They can give you lots of information on where to go and what to see. Otherwise you will get lost for sure. :)

This stately courthouse dates to 1876, and presides over the town square, a pleasant reminder of turn-of-the-century America. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

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The oldest remaining brodge in Madison County, and the furtherst one from Winterset (about 30 minutes East). Similarly to Cutler-Donahoe, there is no river, and the roof is two-sided sharp.

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Located in the town park of Winterset (parking and admission free). There is actually no river beneath, only a hollow. Has a two-sided sharp (rather than flat) roof.

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This is one of the two bridges featured in the movie, and in my opinion the best fit into the landscape.

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If you are driving from I-80 South, this is the first bridge you encounter. Drive 169 and watch for the brown sign to the right, then follow a gravel road for three miles.

It's really a very pretty court house nestled in the square in Winterset. There are several businesses in the area, including the Chamber of Commerce, Northside Cafe, antique shops and souvenirs.