Where is Winterset, Iowa? You’ll find this charming little town about 45 minutes southwest of Des Moines. Whether Winterset, Iowa is a familiar favorite or a new adventure, it’s the perfect place for a short getaway in any season of the year! Historian? This town was founded in 1849. Bridge lover? Winterset has you covered, literally. Museum connoisseur? Downtown Winterset, Iowa has those, too. Hiker? The trails in the city park and in the nearby state park are amazing. Hungry? There are plenty of restaurant options to suit every taste bud and so many things to do in Winterset, Iowa.

Winterset, Iowa is one of many picture-perfect towns around the state.
Guimer/Wikimedia Commons
Of course, it's changed since the olden days, but not as much as you might expect! For example, you can still visit Courthouse Square (shown here in 1907) today and find many of these same buildings.
FJ Bandholts/Wikimedia Commons
But in addition to a charming, historic downtown area, Winterset has other unique qualities, like a John Wayne Museum. This was Wayne's birthplace, after all!
Ommnomnomgulp/Wikimedia Commons

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And don't miss the Iowa Quilt Museum located at 68 East Court Avenue on the south side of town. This artful museum seeks to promote an appreciation of quilting through displays about the history of the American quilt and plenty of beautifully crafted real-life examples.
Tamara S/Tripadvisor
Winterset is also well-known as the home of Bridges of Madison County thanks to its many picturesque covered bridges, including Hogback (pictured), Roseman, Holliwell, Cutler-Donahoe, and Cedar Bridges.
Heather J/TripAdvisor
You can take a driving tour of all five of them in less than a single afternoon.
A hidden gem in the heart of the city is Winterset City Park, which features hiking trails through the lower park natural area and the historic Clark Tower in addition to the more traditional playground/restroom/picnic shelter facilities. You can find the park at 300 South 9th Street.
Zimminaroundtheworld/TripAdvisor
In fact, your covered bridge driving tour will take you right through this park, as the Cutler-Donahoe Bridge is located within its 76-acre bounds!
Winterset is also the home of Pammel State Park, where you can relax along the riverfront, camp in a yurt, hike, or picnic. To reach Pammel Park, you get to pass through the only highway tunnel in all of Iowa. You can find Pammel Park at 1900 Pammel Park Road.
penelopelouise/Tripadvisor

Check out this gorgeous park that you can find in Winterset:

See what we mean? Winterset, Iowa really does have something fun for everyone! Have you ever visited this charming area? Which attractions were your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

After your visit to Winterset, for another charming adventure in the Hawkeye State, try a visit to the historic village in Pella.

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More to Explore

The Best Towns In Iowa

Will Suphan | January 09, 2024

What are the most charming small towns in Iowa?

The most charming small towns in Iowa include:

  • Pella. You’ll find a lot of Dutch heritage here with Dutch foods, architecture, and even a windmill.
  • Orange City. This town is full of Dutch-styled buildings and has quaint windmills and a lovely tulip festival every year.
  • Mount Vernon. With fewer than 5,000 residents, this little town is a quiet little getaway with a lovely downtown.
  • Elk Horn. This is a town full of Danish culture that has the only operating Danish windmill that isn’t in Denmark.

Discover more about the most charming small towns in Iowa. 

What are the most historic towns in Iowa?

The most historic towns in Iowa include:

  • Burlington. This old town has an ancient street called Snake Alley that’s considered the Most Crooked Street in the World.
  • Cedar Rapids. This town has 11 historic districts and 48 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • McGregor. Founded in 1847, this historic town was once a boomtown due to its ferry and nearby railroad. 
  • Scotch Grove. This tiny town of only 200 people has a ton of historic buildings and the whole area is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Find out more about the most historic small towns in Iowa. 

What are the most delightful small towns in Iowa?

The most delightful small towns in Iowa include:

  • The Amana Colonies. This collection of seven villages has shops with handmade goods and great German food.
  • Bentonsport. This is an old-fashioned town where you can take Amish buggy rides and take in the stunning beauty of this place.
  • Decorah. Known as “Little Norway,” this lovely town has a wonderful Norwegian-American museum. 
  • Le Claire. This is home to Antique Archaeology built by the show “American Pickers” and has the Cody Road Historic District.

Learn more about the most delightful small towns in Iowa. 

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Winterset, IA 50273, USA