Background

Cedar Covered Bridge: A Piece of Iowa History

Visit the historic Cedar Covered Bridge in Winterset, Iowa, and experience a piece of Iowa's charm and history. A must-see landmark!

4.6

The Cedar Covered Bridge, located in Winterset, Iowa, is a historic landmark and one of the famed Bridges of Madison County. Built in 1883, it has been rebuilt twice after being destroyed by arson. Today, it stands as a testament to the community's resilience and a reminder of Iowa's rich history.

A brief summary to Cedar Covered Bridge

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Covered Bridge Festival in October to experience the bridge and surrounding area at its liveliest.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's picnic shelters or gazebos.
  • Take a leisurely drive through the surrounding scenic byways of Madison County.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Cedar Covered Bridge is located approximately 3 miles northeast of Winterset, Iowa. From Winterset, drive east on Highway 92 for about half a mile, then turn north onto Cedar Bridge Trail. Continue for about 1.75 miles; the bridge will be on your left. The route is marked with standard County Park arrowhead roadside signs. There is a free small gravel parking lot available for visitors. Be prepared to drive on gravel roads to reach the bridge. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of Cedar Covered Bridge

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Cedar Covered Bridge

The Cedar Covered Bridge, originally constructed in 1883 by Harvey P. Jones, is a beloved landmark in Madison County, Iowa. This bridge, also known as the Casper or Storrs Bridge, is a fine example of a Town lattice truss with a queenpost overlay. The bridge has a rich history, having been moved from its original location over the North River to its current site over Cedar Creek in 1920. The Cedar Covered Bridge gained further recognition after being featured in the novel and movie, 'The Bridges of Madison County'. Its image graces the cover of the novel, and Oprah Winfrey even filmed an episode of her show at the bridge in 1993. Unfortunately, the bridge has twice fallen victim to arson, once in 2002 and again in 2017. However, each time, the community rallied to rebuild it, ensuring that this piece of history would endure. The current replica was completed in 2019 and stands as a testament to the community's determination to preserve its heritage. Today, the Cedar Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in Madison County that you can still drive through. It is the centerpiece of Cedar Bridge Park, a 27-acre area with gazebos, picnic shelters, and gardens. It's a popular spot for weddings, picnics, and leisurely drives.

Popular Experiences near Cedar Covered Bridge

Popular Hotels near Cedar Covered Bridge

Select Currency