The Bridges of Madison County

Thirty miles from Des Moines, in Madison County, Iowa, a group of stately covered bridges inspired an enduring love story.

Called the Covered Bridge Capitol of Iowa, Madison County once boasted 19 bridges. Six remain, including the Roseman Covered Bridge, the Cedar Covered Bridge, Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, Hogback Covered Bridge, Holliwell Covered Bridge, and Imes Covered Bridge. Five of the bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The setting inspired a book by Robert James Waller called The Bridges of Madison County. It sold 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the 20th century’s bestselling novels. Three years after publication, the novel was adapted into a 1995 film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, who also directed. It was later adapted to a musical in 2013. 

The Bridges of Madison County was filmed in the Winterset area in 1994. Fans who visit the Roseman Bridge (most prominently featured in the film) can leave their mark on the interior. Messages about of love can be found scribbled in dozens of languages on the walls.