Winterset, Iowa is a charming midwestern town, and fall is a great season to visit here. Not only is the weather cooler and less humid, but the turning leaves and the fall festivities are especially inviting.
There is so much to do in this area that it’s hard to know where to start, so maybe it’s natural to start on the approach to this lovely town.
City of Winterset / Facebook
As you draw near to Winterset from almost any direction, there are covered bridges to stop and see. One of these is the famous Rosemann Bridge featured in the Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep “Bridges of Madison County” film. There are six other covered bridges to slow down and appreciate, and the fall colors make them especially photogenic.
Alvaro Calvete / Tripadvisor In early October, there is a covered bridge festival lasting two days that celebrates the history of the area (and the bridges) with plenty of food, festivities, and live entertainment.
Enter town on John Wayne Drive. You guessed it - this town is the birthplace of John Wayne, the country western film star. Complete with the simple four-bedroom house of his upbringing and a full-fledged museum honoring his life and work, this is a good place to spend some time if the fall weather turns wet.
Management / Tripadvisor
At the center of town is the courthouse square surrounded by a historic midwestern downtown with attractive shops, antiques, cafes, and even a quilting museum.
Wayne D / Tripadvisor
If your fall tastebuds are looking for cider, then Winterset Cidery is a must, with tons of craft hard apple ciders to sample. Watch for fall events held here such as a Halloween party.
Winterset Cidery / Facebook
Another great place to stop in the fall is The Pumpkin Ranch. The Pumpkin Ranch offers tons of activities available all week, plus food vendors added in on weekends. Glide on a zip line, try out a humongous jump pillow, play in a corn pile, try out the obstacle course, make your way through the huge corn maze, and go for a horseback ride.
The Pumpkin Ranch / Facebook There are also special events like the Halloween party at the end of October which includes a trick or treat throughout the patch.
Make this town part of your fall experience; you are sure to find something appealing to you! To learn more about these and other attractions, visit Madison County’s tourism website. What are your favorite towns to visit in the fall? Here’s another of our favorites.
City of Winterset / Facebook
Alvaro Calvete / Tripadvisor
In early October, there is a covered bridge festival lasting two days that celebrates the history of the area (and the bridges) with plenty of food, festivities, and live entertainment.
Management / Tripadvisor
Wayne D / Tripadvisor
Winterset Cidery / Facebook
The Pumpkin Ranch / Facebook
There are also special events like the Halloween party at the end of October which includes a trick or treat throughout the patch.
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Address: Winterset, IA 50273, USA
