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More Than Bridges: Madison County, Iowa
by Thomas Cackler, PassPorter Guest Columnist
Nestled in the quiet farm country of central
Iowa lies a quiet rural area known best for its covered bridges and the romance
that captivated a nation. While The Bridges of Madison County no longer
tops the bestseller lists, the quiet landscape of Madison County, Iowa, remains
one of the best-kept tourist secrets in the country. With its lush landscape,
small town charm, and memorable tourist destinations, this area has a little
something for everyone.
Madison County is located in central Iowa, just southwest of the state capital,
Des Moines. With Interstate 35 bordering the county on the east and Interstate
80 bordering the county on the north, Madison is easy to get to and offers a
wide selection of recreation and tourist activities. Settled in the mid-1800s,
the county saw the construction of the now-famous covered bridges later that
century. Six bridges exist today, by either preservation or re-creation.
Perhaps the most famous of these bridges, the Roseman Covered, still
stands in its original location after an extensive renovation in 1992. Featured
in the motion picture and novel The Bridges of Madison County, the bridge
stands as the second longest in the county and is home to the Roseman Bridge
Store. Additionally, the Holliwell Bridge and the Stone Foot Bridge feature
prominently in the movie.
Unfortunately, arson severely damaged
Francesca's House from the film and it no longer offers tours, although you can
still visit the grounds for photos. However, many other buildings and landscapes
from the film still exist today. From the Texaco station that now houses an
Internet café to M. Young and Co. feed store that served as the General Store in
the movie, fans of the movie and novel will find many familiar places and
buildings as they visit.
But the movie and the novel are not the only
draws in the area. Every fall since 1970, the entire county descends on the town
square in Winterset for the annual Covered Bridge Festival. Like many small town
fall festivals, this one features booths full of local produce, handcrafted
items, and other fun events. Held the first full weekend in October, this annual
festival highlights the area's past, present, and future, surrounded by the
majestic fall colors of the Middle River Valley. Music, presentations, and a
parade all highlight this quintessential small town
celebration.
Winterset also features a city park that rivals larger
cities for attractions and amenities. In addition to the relocated
Cutler-Donahue Covered Bridge, the city park features a hedge maze, camping
facilities, and two other historical attractions. Besides the previously
mentioned Stone Bridge, the Clark Tower stands as a monument to some of the
area's first settlers. Built in 1929 and at over 25 feet tall, the limestone
structure offers an impressive view of the surrounding area.
Winterset is
also home to a vibrant town square of specialty shops featuring collectibles,
gourmet food, and other merchandise. If you are a quilting fan, the home of
Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting television program and magazine
are also located here on the town square. If you have a desire to sit in the
same seat Clint Eastwood did during the filming of The Bridges of Madison
County, you can stop into the Northside Café and grab the fourth stool from
the front of the restaurant.
However, the most famous person to ride off
from Winterset is still one of the town's favorite sons. Marion Morrison, better
known to most as John Wayne, spent his early childhood in Winterset after his
birth on May 26, 1907. While his family moved when he was four, the house where
he was born still stands and offers tours daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm except
for New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For a cost of $4/adult,
$3/senior, and $1/child, you can visit the birthplace and see memorabilia from
classic John Wayne films such as Rio Lobo, True Grit, and
Stagecoach. An adjacent store sells John Wayne merchandise and proceeds
go to help fund the non-profit John Wayne Birthplace Society.
Madison
County shows that while Iowa isn't atop many people's top places to visit, the
charm of a tourism destination isn't in bright lights or theme parks. Instead,
these tourism destinations are memorable for the experiences they offer their
guests. Whether it's the romantic story of Francesca and Robert, or the rugged
individualism as showcased by Winterset's favorite son draws you in, Madison is
a destination that is highly recommended.
Related Links: Adventures by Disney: Wyoming
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Updated 04/06/07
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