Do you remember the Covered Bridges hype of the mid 1990s? After the Clint Eastwood movie Bridges of Madison County came out, people from all over flocked to rural Iowa to see them in person. It’s still a great idea to set aside time to explore these famous bridges – and be sure you pay attention to the Holliwell Bridge in particular! Here are a few reasons your visit will be special:

1. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time.
Google Local / Tilden Harper
The Holliwell Bridge was built in 1880 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster. That means it's 138 years old!
2. It's an architectural wonder.
Google Local / George Dawson
At 122 feet long, the Holliwell Bridge is the longest of the Bridges of Madison County, and it has held up exceptionally well over time.
3. It's the perfect place for a photo shoot.
Google Local / Orrin Kelso
The historic bridge and beautiful scenery make for the perfect backdrop to practice your photography skills.
4. It's one of the only covered bridges of Madison County still in the original location
Google Local / Matt Uhlman
Many of the Bridges of Madison County have been moved to parks or to more stable locations for preservation, but the Holliwell Bridge was renovated in 1995 and remains at its original site.

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5. You'll be super close to one of the best little restaurants in Iowa.
Facebook / Northside Cafe
Northside Cafe is a small town restaurant that makes some of the best home cooked food in Iowa. Try one of their tenderloins and you'll be so glad you made the drive.
6. It's a famous movie landmark.
Google Local / Kristen Jolley
You're on set! The Holliwell Bridge was featured in the "Bridges of Madison County", a 1995 movie starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.
7. The views are breathtaking.
Google Local / Tilden Harper
While the Middle River may not be the first to come to mind when you think of Iowa's waterways, the views from the bridge show off a gorgeous side of the Hawkeye State.
8. You'll be retracing the footsteps from a famous novel.
Google Maps
The Bridges of Madison County was a 1992 novel by Robert James Waller. Today, six of the bridges featured in the novel are still standing, and you can visit them all.

Find all of the Bridges of Madison County right here.

For information on the other Bridges of Madison County, read The Enchanting County In Iowa That’s Home To 6 Covered Bridges.

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