My Local Guide

Covered Bridges, Rolling Hills, and Timeless Stories

Madison County, Iowa

Madison County is one of Iowa’s most recognizable destinations, known for its covered bridges, rolling countryside, historic courthouse square, outdoor recreation, and small-town character. Winterset anchors the county with museums, shopping, dining, and year-round events, while Earlham, St. Charles, Truro, and other communities add their own identity. Scenic drives, parks, river valleys, historic landmarks, farms, and cultural attractions make the county easy to explore well beyond a single photo stop.

Madison County at a Glance

Population17,270 (2025 estimate)
County SeatWinterset
Largest CityWinterset
Established1846
ZIP CodesMultiple community ZIP Codes
Total AreaApprox. 562 sq mi
Major RoutesI-80, US 169, IA 92
Area Code515
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Madison County

Madison County

Madison County was formed in 1846 and named for James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. Winterset became its county seat and developed into the civic and commercial center of a region shaped by agriculture, river valleys, local trade, and transportation. The county’s covered bridges later became nationally famous through literature and film, while historic places, parks, museums, and long-standing communities continue to preserve stories that reach far beyond the bridges themselves.

Start in Winterset with the courthouse square, John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, Iowa Quilt Museum, and City Park, then follow the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway into the countryside. Pammel Park brings limestone bluffs, trails, the Middle River, and camping into the mix. Earlham, St. Charles, Truro, farms, wineries, boutiques, and seasonal events add variety. Whether you come for history, scenery, shopping, outdoor time, or the bridges, Madison County is best experienced slowly.

What Shapes Us

Bridge Country

Six surviving covered bridges, scenic roads, and historic structures give Madison County one of Iowa’s most distinctive and recognizable cultural landscapes.

River & Ridge

Wooded river valleys, limestone bluffs, rolling farmland, parks, trails, and prairie scenery create a landscape made for touring and outdoor recreation.

Historic Hometowns

Winterset, Earlham, St. Charles, Truro, and smaller communities support active downtowns, schools, shops, festivals, libraries, and deep local traditions.

Where iconic bridges connect landscapes, history, and community
My Local Guide

Madison County

Our County - Our Stories
Madison County Wire

Madison County Wire

Local Stories - DailyPhoto Credits
Radio Iowa

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Madison County

Stories from every corner of Madison County.

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Horror film fest is highlight of Ottumwa’s Halloweenapalooza

The leaves are starting to change color, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and a scare is in the…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Names of northeast Iowa boaters who died in Mississippi River accident released

The Iowa DNR has identified two northeast Iowa men who drowned after their fishing boat hit a submerged…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Iowa farmers didn’t get much field time last week waiting for drier conditions

The harvest didn’t advance much last week as farmers waited for fields to dry out. The lastest U.S.D.A.…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Celebrating Iowa 4H from calves and canning to astronomy and robots

This is National 4H Week, recognizing the accomplishments of the program that reaches more than 120,000 young people…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
MADISON COUNTY WEATHER
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Madison County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find practical Madison County links for government, schools, health care, public safety, parks, trails, utilities, libraries, courts, transportation, veterans services, and employment.

Government

Madison County Government
County departments, public services, records, notices, and courthouse information.
Official Website

Madison County Board of Supervisors
County legislative and administrative oversight.
Official Website

Madison County Auditor
Elections, county records, payroll, and administrative services.
Official Website
Phone: 515-462-3914

Madison County Treasurer
Property tax, motor vehicle, and driver’s license services.
Official Website
Phone: 515-462-1542

City of Winterset
Municipal services and information for the county seat.
Official Website

City of Earlham
Municipal information and community services for Earlham.
Official Website

Madison County Chamber of Commerce
Visitor information, business resources, events, and county tourism support.
Official Website
Phone: 515-462-1185

We’re Here To Help.

Useful answers for exploring, visiting, and living in Madison County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

From the covered bridges and Winterset’s historic square to parks, trails, museums, events, and surrounding communities, these answers focus on the Madison County details visitors and residents actually ask about.

Madison County has six remaining covered bridges: Cedar, Cutler-Donahoe, Hogback, Holliwell, Imes, and Roseman. Start with the official covered bridge guide for maps and access information. Cutler-Donahoe is inside Winterset City Park, Imes is in St. Charles, and Roseman and Holliwell are among the bridges featured in The Bridges of Madison County.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

Build a Madison County day around covered bridges, parks, museums, local food, shopping, scenic roads, family stops, and community events.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Winterset City Park
  2. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum
  3. Iowa Quilt Museum
  4. Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm
  5. Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch

Restaurants

  1. Montross
  2. Petite Cafe
  3. Sports Page Grill
  4. The Drift
  5. The Bakery Unlimited

Shopping & Retail

  1. Piece Works Quilt Shop
  2. Madison County Mercantile
  3. Pine Creek, Ltd.
  4. White Cottage Market
  5. Harvest Creek

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Rosa’s Boutique
  2. Spoons Full of Sugar Boutique
  3. Village Bootery
  4. Whompy Bear Boutique

Outdoor Fun

  1. Pammel Park
  2. Winterset City Park
  3. Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
  4. Badger Creek State Recreation Area
  5. Covered Bridges Tour

Free Things To Do

  1. Visit the Covered Bridges
  2. Explore Winterset City Park
  3. Winterset Public Library
  4. Drive the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
  5. Walk the Winterset Historic Courthouse Square
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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