Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

Personal Guided Tour of the Covered Bridges of Madison County

Price varies by date Check availability for current pricing

About This Tour in Iowa

Travel the back roads through the heart of Madison County under the wing of one of our guide experts, who are all residents of Madison County. Madison County's world-famous covered bridges were the inspiration behind, and the setting of the novel by Robert James Waller and the 1995 film "The Bridges of Madison County", starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.  Six of the original nineteen covered bridges remain, making Madison County the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa. Five of the bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each two-hour personal guided tour includes information about the construction and history of the bridges, the movie production, and a variety of other local historical information. You will visit three of the county's most popular covered bridges and have a chance to walk through them and take plenty of photographs.

Why Visit Iowa?

Iowa, USA offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Iowa provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Iowa

You can reach Iowa, USA by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (Uber, Lyft), or public transportation to reach the city center. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, and rental cars are widely available for exploring the area.

What's Included

  • Local guide
  • Private tour

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Transportation to/from attractions

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour takes place using the traveler's own vehicle and gas.
  • Wear and tear on the vehicle is not the responsibility of the tour guide
  • Must have a proper seat and seat belt available for your tour guide
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Be prepared for uneven surfaces at the sites visited which may be difficult for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair

Customer Reviews

4.8
★★★★½
Based on 58 reviews
5 ★
52
4 ★
3
3 ★
1
2 ★
0
1 ★
2

Individual reviews are not available through the API. View all 58 reviews on Viator

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

Meet

Your guide will meet you at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.

End Point

Your guide will meet you at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center.

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Meet your tour guide at the Welcome Center,... 10 minutes

Meet your tour guide at the Welcome Center, located on Winterset's courthouse square. Your guide will tell you briefly about the history of Winterset and Madison County, and the 1876 limestone courthouse at the town's center.

Explore the Roseman Covered Bridge, one of two... 30 minutes

Explore the Roseman Covered Bridge, one of two bridges featured in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County", starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Built in 1883, the Roseman spans Middle River and is thought by some to be haunted. The Roseman is a perfect example of the flat-roofed covered bridges that are unique to Madison County.

One of the six remaining covered bridges of... 20 minutes

One of the six remaining covered bridges of Madison County, the Cutler-Donahoe was moved to City Park in Winterset in 1970 on its 100th birthday. City Park also features an English hedge maze, a stone bridge (featured in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County"), and one of Iowa's often cited hidden gems, Clark Tower (a three-story stone monument that resembles a castle).

Explore the Holliwell Covered Bridge, the second of... 20 minutes

Explore the Holliwell Covered Bridge, the second of the two bridges featured in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County", starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Built in 1880, it is the longest of Madison County's covered bridges, spanning 110 feet over Middle River. Be sure to view this beautiful bridge from the river bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

Ready to book this experience? Click the button below to check availability, select your travel date and party size, and complete your booking on Viator.

Book Now on Viator

You'll be redirected to Viator's secure booking platform to complete your reservation.