We hear often about haunted places in Iowa. You are likely familiar with chilling stories of haunted houses and restless spirits. What might be a little more unusual is a tale about a haunted covered bridge. Turns out, we’ve got one right here in Iowa! The covered bridges of Madison County are famous the world over. They’re so enchanting that they served as the inspiration for the movie “The Bridges of Madison County.” However, one of those bridges has a darker history than the others, a history you may not be familiar with. Roseman Covered Bridge in Winterset is said to be a hotbed of supernatural activity.

 

This spot doesn't look particularly special. You'd be forgiven for thinking it's similar to any of the other covered bridges in Iowa. Historic, yes, beautiful, yes, charming, yes. But haunted?
Flickr/Michelle
That's right, plenty of supernatural activity has been reported in this bridge.
Flickr/Michael Leland
Visitors have reported hearing muffled laughs or men yelling. Though we are centuries away from a time period when wagon wheels would regularly roll through the bridge, some swear they can hear them crossing the bridge's floor. There's even an inexplicably cold spot right in the middle of the bridge where some have seen apparitions.
People have also described unusual experiences when walking their dogs over the bridge. The dog's hackles will rise on the back of its neck, as though it senses something that can't be seen.
Flickr/jon hayes
Some dogs will panic and grow reluctant at crossing the bridge. Could they be aware of something we can't sense?
There are at least two haunting stories in the bridge's past, if you believe the legends.
Flickr/John Jacobsen
One involves forbidden love. According to the story, a young couple in love was doomed because of the woman's father's disapproval of the relationship. One night, the young man came to visit his love, and instead was met by her father and friends.

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The group chased after the young man, who immediately turned and galloped away from them on his horse. The angry crowd chasing him claimed to have seen him go into the bridge on horseback, but only the horse emerged from the other end.
Flickr/John Jacobsen
The young man was never seen or heard from again.
Another story from the bridge's history involves an escaped convict.
Flickr/brian.abeling
According to the legend, a man escaped from the Madison County Jail and was being chased by the sheriff's posse straight into the bridge. The men went to either end of the bridge to catch him as he exited the bridge.
Suddenly, the onlookers heard a bloodcurdling scream coming from the escaped convict. They went inside the bridge to investigate, but he was gone. It was as if he vanished into thin air.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Whether you believe the legends or not, there's definitely something a little spooky about this covered bridge in Iowa.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Have you run into a ghost at this covered bridge? Iowa has no shortage of haunted places. There’s Nothing More Terrifying Than These 10 Genuinely Haunted Houses In Iowa.

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Historic Places In Iowa

Lisa Sammons | January 12, 2022

What are some of the most famous covered bridges in Iowa?

The popular book and 1995 film "The Bridges of Madison County" (starring none other than Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep!) made the covered bridges in Iowa famous. Here are six of our favorites, but there are others all throughout the state. Covered bridges are so beautiful and it's no wonder that people plan entire road trips around them!

What are some more haunted places in Iowa?

Like most states, there are lots of rumors about haunted places in Iowa. For example, Stony Hollow Road in Burlington is a haunted street that saw a tragic death in the 1800s. According to legend, a woman named Lucinda believed that her husband was cheating on her and killed herself on this road. It turns out he was just running late to meet her, but it is said that her spirit still haunts the area.

What are the best historic places in Iowa?

The Hawkeye State is filled with history. Many Iowans have gone on to make history, like Herbert Hoover and John Wayne. If you're a history buff, check out these great historic day trips in Iowa that you won't want to miss.

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Roseman Covered Bridge, Elderberry Avenue, Winterset, IA, USA