Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center
Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center
Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
About
Madison County is the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa, with the largest group of covered bridges that exists in one area in the western half of the Mississippi Valley. Six of the original nineteen covered bridges remain, five of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Roseman Covered Bridge and Holliwell Covered Bridge were both featured in the film "The Bridges of Madison County", and the Cedar Covered Bridge was featured on the cover of the novel "The Bridges of Madison County". The Madison County Chamber of Commerce specializes in guided personal and group tours of the covered bridges and other historic sites around Madison County.
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4.5
210 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
71
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
1
J D
Milwaukee, WI1,029 contributions
July 2023
Stopped in to get more information about attractions and places to visit in Madison County. Friendly folks willing to share all they know and believe. Suggested they learn about and inform others about the geocaching opportunities in the area
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReadRibbet
1,628 contributions
June 2023 • Family
This is a good first stop if you are going to spend some time in the Madison County area. It is easily accessible on the downtown square with limited free street parking. The center has a number of brochures to help you visit the area including a map of the Madison County bridges. It is also a gift shop which included quilted potholders, Xmas ornaments, wines, postcards, books and other local items. The staff was especially friendly and helpful. There are also clean public bathrooms. There are other stops on the square including the Iowa Quilting Museum and the Welcome to Winterset Postcard mural.
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that the Madison County Visitors Center was able to help you out and that our staff was helpful and friendly.
Written 20 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruth49417
Holland, MI19 contributions
June 2020
I went in to the visitor center as soon as I got to town, and quickly realized there was a LOT more to Winterset than I though. There was great informative literature and more to do than I had vacation time for. The associate I spoke with knew so much history and facts about Winterset, Madison County, Des Moines, and Iowa that I wish I had a tape recorder so I could retain all the fascinating information.
Written 2 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Ruth! We often tell visitors that they will need more time than they probably have planned to really see and do all that there is to experience here. We're so glad that you found the visitor center so helpful! Thanks again.
Written 24 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve0315
Shakopee, MN1,275 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
We visited on Saturday, September 5, 2015.
We stopped at the chamber of commerce/visitors center in downtown Winterset (near the courthouse) and the woman there was very helpful and also provided maps and directions to the bridges.
We saw four of the six bridges and drove over the last one still being used for transportation. Nice ride in the country.
We stopped at the chamber of commerce/visitors center in downtown Winterset (near the courthouse) and the woman there was very helpful and also provided maps and directions to the bridges.
We saw four of the six bridges and drove over the last one still being used for transportation. Nice ride in the country.
Written 10 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave-in-Iowa
Ankeny, IA387 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
I am rating solely on the photographic value of the bridges. So far, I have been to the Hogback, Roseman, and Cedar bridges. The Hogback is the perfect spot for a sunrise photo opportunity. The Roseman has potential to get a nice reflection off the water, but need to be sure water levels are up when you visit. The Cedar bridge has a lot of buildings nearby, so it is not one I likely will go back to.
Written 31 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdventurousMom63
Thousand Oaks, CA78 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
The romantic in me expected these bridges to be beautiful, and as I directed my clan's 3-car group from New Virginia (Miss Spenser's of Longview Farms) to the John Wayne museum (they gave us a bridges map) and now to the Cedar Bridge, I was excited and did find the bridge beautiful. The other ten in our group had wildly varying opinions. Some loved the little park, some loved driving across it, some enjoyed poking around the creek (see photo), others loved photographing it, some were very interested in the history of it (it was rebuilt after being destroyed) and one person was perplexed as to why we stopped there. SO I recommend to anyone bringing a group, to try and choose an especially beautiful day to visit the bridges. Sunny mid-day lighting IS a bit dull looking. Instead choose a sunrise, or sunset, or if adventurous choose a day with some interesting snow, fog, or rain. Also you might bring some picnic supplies so that the less-interested in the group can stay occupied while the others can linger and take pictures. IMPORTANT - this bridge is the EASIEST to get to, and you CAN drive across it which is neat. We went on a weekday so we had it all to ourselves. These are wonderful pieces of history and most beautiful to those who appreciate them!
Written 18 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia G
Naples, FL5 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
Please...the movie is one thing...but the beautiful scenic drive and the historic beautiful bridges...another. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Winterset! Stop at the Chamber of Commerce - they are very helpful there and will guide you with a map to every bridge and spot to see. While I was caught up in the movie scenic places ...we couldn't have asked for better weather, nicer people and great shopping for novelty items at the Roseman Bridge gift shop. We took a drive out to "Francesca's"farm house - you can't get close to the house now - it's closed to public but again - the drive and the hilly roads to get there- a lot of fun and beautiful. Windows down, music on...very nice!
Written 28 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarahtham
Lawrence, KS718 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Please stop at St Charles, Iowa to start your exploration of the six bridges. You will arrive at Imes Bridge first. Keep going into St Charles and make a stop at the Visitor's center where volunteers will explain and provide you wonderful help with further directions. GPS will not be as helpful without them and the free map they provide. It is housed in an old church with lovely stain glass (look out for the one with the "bridge" in it too. The visitor's museum houses not ur usual gift shop items but is actually a collection of consignment items from the community. If you intend to visit ALL SIX bridges, you will need at least half a day. Check out the wineries nearby too:)
St Charles is near to Winterset, home of John wayne and many set locations for the movie "Bridges of Madison County" :)
St Charles is near to Winterset, home of John wayne and many set locations for the movie "Bridges of Madison County" :)
Written 18 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rd55127
La Quinta, CA59 contributions
July 2014 • Couples
Wifey and I were going to a Motorhome rally in nearby Forest City, IA and decided to make a side trip to see the famous Bridges of Madison County. After surfing the Chamber of Commerce website we elected to sign up for a personal 2 hour guided tour of the the bridges. We met up at the scheduled time in front of the Chamber offices and he jumped behind the wheel of my car and he drove throughout the tour. He was very knowledgeable of Winterset and the history of the bridges as to when they were built, the builders, the construction techniques, when they were rebuilt and the costs associated with the restorations. We were able to do 3 of the 6 bridges during the 2 hour tour which included side visits to the Winterset Museum (don't miss it) and various sights around town. We followed up the next day by ourselves and did the remaining three bridges. Had a really good time and highly recommend having a guide, not so much for navigation since the town does a great job of signage for the bridges, but more for the historical richness of the area and bridges.
Written 27 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rbtrip99
Kirchseeon, Germany31 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
If you have come too see THE attractions in Winterset and around, namely the Covered Bridges, this is the place to go first. The staff is extremely supportive and they have lots of information material and a great variety of souvenirs for you.
Written 24 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are so glad that you stopped in here first. We love greeting visitors and helping them plan their stay. We hope we'll see you again in the near future!
Written 25 May 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
when will the festival be held in 2016
Written 10 January 2016
Hello, the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival will be held on October 8 and 9 this year.
Written 12 January 2016
when is the covered bridges festival
Written 10 January 2016
Hello - The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival will be held on October 8th and 9th this year. Thanks
Written 12 January 2016
We want to return to Winterset for a longer visit. Is there an RV park relatively close? We also want to take a guided tour that visits most/all of the bridges, covers local connections to the movie, and also visits the farm house. I hope such tours are still available, and if so, can you help us make a connection. During the summer months, are there any times when it isn't advisable to come to Winterset ..... too crowded, too busy, etc.?
Written 24 May 2015
Bob, sorry that we are just now seeing your question. I hope you found the information you were looking for, but if not (or in case others are wondering the same thing) let me answer them now. Yes, there are two RV campsites here in Winterset - one at Winterset's City Park and one at Pammel State Park in Winterset. You can find information about the City Park Campground by calling (515) 462-3258. Pammel Park now has an online reservation system for its campground. Contact Madison County Conservation for information. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce offers guided tours of the covered bridges and movie sites. You can reach us at (515) 462-1185. Unfortunately the farmhouse used in the movie is privately owned and the owners shut it off to the public years ago due to an arson. You can still view it from the road, but it is otherwise not open to the public. We have lots of visitors, mainly from May to October, but are never really too crowded here. The most popular events are the John Wayne Birthday Weekend in May, and the Covered Bridge Festival in October, but we can always make accommodations for you! Thank you.
Written 10 May 2018
We want to return to Winterset for a longer
Written 24 May 2015
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