Fall in Love with History: The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival Returns to Winterset This Weekend

If you’re looking for a beautiful fall weekend adventure this October, look no further than the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival in Winterset, Iowa. Happening this weekend, the festival is a vibrant celebration of local heritage, charming small-town fun, and the iconic bridges that gave this area its name.

What Is the Covered Bridge Festival?
The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival is an annual tradition held on the second full weekend in October. For many decades, the festival has brought together locals and visitors to celebrate Madison County’s rich history, especially its iconic covered bridges.

This year’s dates are:
- Saturday, October 11, 2025 — 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday, October 12, 2025 — 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (with parade at 3:00 PM)

Admission is affordable — $3 for a single day, or 2 for $5. Children under 11 enter free.

On Sunday, the festival will close with a parade (lineup at 2:00 PM, parade begins at 3:00 PM) through Winterset.

Why This Festival Is Special
A Tribute to Local History:
Madison County is often called the "Covered Bridge Capital" of Iowa. Of the original 19 bridges in the county, only six remain; many are preserved, restored, and celebrated for their architectural and cultural significance. The bridges themselves are open year-
round to visitors.

Guided Tours:
If you want to dive deeper, consider a guided tour of the covered bridges. Each two-hour tour includes stories about the construction, local bridge lore, and ties to the famous “Bridges of Madison County” novel and film. Tours depart from the Madison
County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center.

What to Expect on the Square:
At the heart of the festival is the Winterset courthouse square, which will be filled with:

- 50+ vendors offering food, crafts, and local goods
- Old-time craft demonstrations and historical demonstrations
- Live music and entertainment, on at least one stage near the courthouse grounds
- Kids’ activities, such as face painting, rock painting, a corn box, and more
- Antique car show (Sunday) — a favorite among car enthusiasts
- Parade through downtown Winterset (Sunday) as the festival finale

Beyond the square, the Madison County Historical Complex (sometimes called “History on the Hill”) often hosts additional programming: wagon rides, penny candy, Civil War reenactments, and more. On Saturday evening, you may even catch cannon firings and s’mores around a fire.

Must-See Bridges & Local Gems
If you have time to explore beyond the festival, here are a few of Madison County’s most notable covered bridges:
- Roseman Covered Bridge — likely the most famous, thanks to The Bridges of Madison County.
- Holliwell Covered Bridge — the longest of the remaining bridges (159 feet total length); featured in the film.
- Hogback Covered Bridge — built in 1884 with Town lattice truss design.
- Cutler–Donahoe Bridge — now located in Winterset City Park; originally built in 1870.

These are accessible via the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, which spans 82+ miles and showcases both the bridges and scenic landscapes of Madison County.

Tips for Festivalgoers
- Arrive early — parking in and around the square can fill up fast, especially in the morning.
- Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll want to walk, explore vendor stalls, and likely venture beyond the square.
- Weather-ready gear — October in Iowa can be crisp and changeable. Bring layers, a light jacket, and perhaps a small umbrella just in case.
- Bring cash — though many vendors may accept cards, smaller crafts or food stalls might prefer cash.
- Schedule your tours and events — especially the bridge tours or historical complex events, as they may have limited capacity.
- Stay nearby — Winterset and its surroundings have quaint lodging options; staying overnight gives you more flexibility to soak in everything.

Why It’s Worth the Trip
This festival offers more than just a fair. It’s a tribute to local craftsmanship, to history, to storytelling (both through wood and film), and to the sense of community that small-town Iowa shines in. Whether you come for the bridges, the food, the vintage cars, or just a peaceful fall weekend, it’s a chance to step back, slow down, and enjoy something uniquely Iowa.