Six old-fashioned covered bridges have always added a touch of romance to this sleepy town, located approximately 30 mi/48 km southwest of Des Moines. But not many people knew about them until the novel The Bridges of Madison County became a best seller and the basis of a 1995 motion picture starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Visitors, with books in hand, now wander around town in search of the haunts where the novel's lonely farm wife and a passing stranger strike up their fiery liaison.
The covered bridges, each more than 100 years old, are worth visiting—whether you've read the book or not. (The Roseman Bridge is the one featured prominently in the movie.) The Northside Cafe on the downtown square is also a favorite spot for fans—Clint Eastwood sat on the fourth seat from the door.
Winterset is also the birthplace of actor John Wayne. His home is now a museum, and the house has been restored to appear as it did in 1907, when Wayne was born. Each year, Winterset's Madison County Covered Bridge Festival takes place on the second weekend of October, celebrating covered bridges and 19th-century life.
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