Covered Bridges Scenic Byway

04/16/2025

Which Iowa Byway has one of the best public squares in the United States? Yours truly! The Winterset Historic Courthouse Square came in #3 in the USAToday’s 2025 Reader’s Poll for Best Public Square! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-public-square/?

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 16th at 12:00pm EDT.

04/14/2025

Spend your Spring in Madison County, Iowa, along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway for the best mushroom hunting, bird watching, wildlife viewing, Spring wildflowers and blossoms!

03/25/2025

Did you know that Madison County has THE highest density of deer in the entire state? 47 deer per square mile! That is a tribute to the fact that their natural habitats are most intact here. It also means that Madison County provides for great hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.

“From a recreational standpoint, deer are arguably the most important and economically valuable wildlife species in Iowa, and a key aspect of Iowa’s tourism-oriented approach to economic development,” the report reads.

It also should serve as a caution to drivers - deer cause a minimum amount of $129 million in vehicle collision costs annually.

You can find the entire article here:

Iowa DNR and Iowa State University researchers conducted a county-specific deer population density and economic impact study.

03/19/2025

We are asking for your vote. The only scenic byway in Iowa to be placed in this bracket, we hope to keep moving up the ranks! If you love the covered bridges of Madison County and all of the other attractions in our byway communities, please vote for us!

Scenic America is the only national nonprofit that helps citizens safeguard the scenic qualities of America’s roadways, countryside, towns, and cities.

03/17/2025

Did you know that Madison County, Iowa's current population is 16% Irish (second only to German at 30%)?

St. Patrick's Irish Settlement and Catholic Church were established in 1852 by Father Timothy Mullen. (The current frame church was completed around 1868.)

Among the early arrivals to Madison County was Felix McManus who operated a general variety store in Bevington. He came from County Down. Patrick Dowd was a native of County Roscommon, James Gillaspie and William Kennedy were from County Derry, and Patrick Smith from County Cavan. All arrived in 1856.

Many of the first to emigrate to Iowa were from Wisconsin. They may have been first drawn to the state through organized recruiting efforts in Milwaukee (the Irish National Emigration Society had an office there by 1849). Southern and western Wisconsin held concentrations of these Irish farmers, and by their relative proximity to the Dubuque diocese, they may have heard of the settlement in central Iowa.

Please share with us the surnames of your Irish descendants!

03/06/2025

Are we your favorite Scenic Byway?! We certainly hope to earn your vote. Please consider going to the link below and submitting our name and location (Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, Iowa)!

Scenic America is the only national nonprofit that helps citizens safeguard the scenic qualities of America’s roadways, countryside, towns, and cities.

03/03/2025

March's Iowa Byways Newsletter is all about the fundamental foods you have to try as you travel around the state. You'll want to bookmark this link and refer to it often!

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/IACIO/2025/02/28/file_attachments/3178907/Byways%20E-Newsletter%20March%202025%20Reduced.pdf

02/17/2025

Don't let a little snow stop you from visiting the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. In fact, these red historic beauties look fantastic against a fresh coat of snow! (Do be cautious down near the rivers that run under some of our bridges.) For more information, visit exploremadisoncounty.com

12/02/2024

This Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, please consider donating to help preserve and restore the covered bridges of Madison County. Scan the QR code to donate online or mail a check to the address listed in the graphic. Our sincere gratitude!

11/16/2024

We would love to see you along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway!

11/04/2024

This is one vote we can all agree on! Please take a moment to support our charming holiday parade.

We're thrilled to make another national list! Please take a moment to vote for the Winterset Festival of Lights in the USA TODAY 10Best readers' poll for Best Holiday Parade! You don't have to sign up for anything and can vote everyday. Click here to vote: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-parade-2024/winterset-festival-of-lights-winterset-iowa/

11/04/2024

Halloween has passed so that means we can officially turn our attention to the upcoming holidays! The holidays are a fantastic time to visit the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway and Madison County, Iowa! We have been told repeatedly that we're like a real life setting of a Hallmark movie and we'll take that as a compliment. Our towns are small but beautiful, charming, and full of holiday spirit! Here are a couple of great ways to enjoy it.

11/03/2024

New additions have been added at each of the six remaining covered bridges in Madison County - interpretive panels, care of the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway! Each panel is different and contains information about Madison County's bridges including their history and builders. This project was made possible by the Greater Madison County Community Foundation.

10/17/2024

How to celebrate Halloween along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway this month!

10/04/2024

The covered bridges of Madison County need help.

10/03/2024

I love this month's Iowa Byways e-newsletter theme - books! We delve into the connections between some literary authors, subject matter and published books, and Iowa byways. (We know you'll find several surprises!) We also highlight independent bookstores around the state. So pour a cup of tea or coffee and dive into Iowa Byways' literary ties! Click on the link below.

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/IACIO/2024/10/01/file_attachments/3017660/Byways%20E-Newsletter%20OCT%202024.pdf

08/13/2024

Shopping malls might be dying, but the Winterset Historic Courthouse Square and Retail District is THRIVING! Our visitors are constantly remarking on the beauty, vitality, and quality of the businesses located here, as well as the friendly customer service. Not to brag, but it has been called one of the most historically intact public squares in Iowa, has received the USAToday Readers Poll Award for the 10Best Public Squares in the nation., and one of the 14 Friendliest Small Towns in the U.S.

There are over a dozen eateries, over 20 retail shops, three museums, plus breweries, wineries, and taprooms, parks, historic sites, lodging, and those covered bridges, of course. See for yourself why the Winterset Courthouse Retail District won the Iowa Tourism Award for Outstanding Retail Experience! Head to www.exploremadisoncounty.com for more information.

07/25/2024

Have you had an epic road trip in Iowa this summer? Maybe one along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway in Madison County, Iowa? The editors of ia Publications would like to hear about it!

Did you know that Iowa ranks 15th in the United States in terms of total road miles and seventh per capita? So why not make use of them?

If you’re road-tripping this summer — around the state or around the block — we want to hear about it. Where did you go? And why? What was your favorite part and the best thing you ate?

Send a note and some photos to [email protected], and we’ll publish our favorites in early September. Happy travels!