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Hogback Covered Bridge: A Step Back in Time

Step back in time at the Hogback Covered Bridge, a picturesque 1884 landmark in Madison County, Iowa, offering a glimpse into the past.

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The Hogback Covered Bridge, built in 1884, is a historic landmark near Winterset, Iowa, and a testament to a bygone era of timber bridge construction. Named for a nearby limestone ridge, it's one of the few remaining covered bridges in Madison County, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a picturesque scene of rural Iowa.

A brief summary to Hogback Covered Bridge

  • 1879 Hogback Bridge Rd, Winterset, Iowa, 50273, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the river near the bridge for a peaceful experience.
  • Check out the other covered bridges in Madison County for a complete historical tour.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach the Hogback Covered Bridge, navigate to 1879 Hogback Bridge Rd, Winterset, IA 50273. From Winterset's town square, take North 1st Avenue and head east on East Court Avenue. After approximately 1 mile, turn left onto County Road G14 (Hogback Bridge Rd). Follow Hogback Bridge Road for about 2 miles; the bridge will be on your right. Parking is typically available near the bridge free of charge.

  • Ride Share

    For those relying on ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, input 'Hogback Covered Bridge' as your destination. Be aware that pickup times in Winterset may be longer than in larger cities, so consider scheduling your ride in advance. A one-way trip from Winterset's town square to the bridge will cost approximately $15-$25.

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Discover more about Hogback Covered Bridge

The Hogback Covered Bridge, located a few miles northwest of Winterset, Iowa, is a captivating piece of history. Built in 1884 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster, it originally spanned the North River. The bridge gets its name not from a local family, as with some other bridges, but from a distinctive limestone ridge with a curved shape resembling a hog's back. Constructed using a Town lattice truss system, the 106-foot-long bridge showcases the ingenuity of 19th-century engineering. This design, featuring a crisscrossing pattern of planks, allowed for a sturdy structure without the need for massive stone abutments. The bridge's timber frame is covered with plank siding and a gently curved bow roof, adding to its charm. Steel pylons were incorporated into the design to provide additional support. The Hogback Covered Bridge is more than just a pretty structure; it's a survivor. Originally, Madison County had around 19 covered bridges, but only six remain today. The Hogback Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, recognizing its historical significance. In 1992, the bridge underwent a significant rehabilitation to ensure its preservation for future generations. While it was bypassed by a new concrete bridge in 1993, it remains a cherished landmark. While most covered bridges were named after the family who lived closest to the bridge, the Hogback Bridge is named after a geographical feature. The ridge line at the west end of the valley is formed from two overlapping types of rock that erode at different rates, forming a structure known as a hogback.

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