Clark Tower, Central Iowa Travel Guide

4.8 (143)

Discover Clark Tower in Winterset City Park: a historic limestone monument offering scenic views and a glimpse into Iowa's pioneer past.

Clark Tower, a 25-foot limestone structure in Winterset City Park, stands as a monument to Madison County's early settlers, Caleb and Ruth Clark. Built in 1926, the tower offers visitors scenic views of the Middle River Valley and a glimpse into the region's pioneering past.

A brief summary to Clark Tower

Park, Winterset, Iowa, 50273, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Clark Tower.

The road to Clark Tower is a one-way, narrow dirt road, so proceed with caution.
The road to the tower is typically open from April 1st through November 15th.
Vehicles longer than a minivan are not recommended due to the narrow road.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in Winterset City Park, which offers picnic areas and scenic views.

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Explore Clark Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Clark Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Winterset's town square, head south on S 9th Street. Enter Winterset City Park and follow the one-way road leading up to Clark Tower. Be aware that the road is narrow and unpaved in sections. Parking is available near the tower. The road to Clark Tower is typically open from April to November and closes each night at sunset. There are no parking fees.
Walking

From the entrance of Winterset City Park at S 9th Street, follow the road to the right past the stone bridge. Continue along the one-way road, enjoying the natural scenery as you ascend to Clark Tower. Alternatively, take the shorter, steeper hiking trail. The walk is approximately one mile uphill. No entrance fees are required.

Discover more about Clark Tower

Nestled within Winterset City Park, Clark Tower is a unique landmark that offers a blend of history and scenic beauty. This 25-foot tall, castle-like tower was constructed in 1926 from locally quarried limestone to honor Caleb and Ruth Clark, who were among the first pioneer settlers in Madison County. Their descendants erected the tower on the 80th anniversary of the county's founding as a lasting tribute to their legacy.Visitors can ascend the tower via a winding staircase to the middle level and a steep metal ladder to reach the top. From the summit, one can enjoy panoramic views of the Middle River Valley, especially stunning in the fall. The tower's sturdy construction allowed it to survive an EF4 tornado in March 2022, a testament to its enduring nature.Clark Tower is located within Winterset City Park, which itself has a rich history. The park evolved from grazing land in the 1800s to a recreational space with amenities like picnic areas, a hedge maze, and the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge. The park also features whimsical wooden statues and the nearby remnants of a stone house with rumored connections to Frank and Jesse James.