This is the second in the series “Travel Destinations in the USA for Retired Life”. This destination starts with the Letter B – The Unique Bridges of Madison County
The Bridges of Madison County is a book by Roger James Weller (available on amazon.in). It tells the heart-tugging story of an autumn love between a photographer and a farmer’s wife in Madison County. The book is so popular that it has been made into a movie. Because of the movie, we can see the beautiful bridges as they play a lovely role in the movie.
Why not take a trip to see the beautiful, unique bridges of Madison County in Iowa? It’s a trip for a book lover! This would make the perfect road trip from surrounding cities and states. This off-the-beaten-track place is just right for the senior citizen looking for a pleasant short holiday. The County is about 30 miles from Des Moines. You will find six covered bridges in Madison County and as a treat, you can even visit the film shooting location.
The largest town in this county is Winterset. You can find the covered bridges in rural areas around Winterset and St. Charles. You can stay in either of these towns to explore and take in the romance of the place! The Welcome Center at St. Charles has maps and details of where to find the bridges. There is also a guided tour from Winterset. In this way, you can get the inside story and then some more! Have a car here or you can rent a bike and get around.
The covered bridges were built in the 19th century but they came to attention after the publication of the book. They really took off in popularity in 1995 when the movie starring Clint Eastwood and Merely Streep was released.
However, out of all the unique Bridges of Madison County, only one bridge now allows traffic through it – the Cedar Bridge. But you can visit all the six bridges and find adequate parking near each one. If you like to take photos, sunrise and sunset give the best shots!
In October you can visit the Covered Bridge Festival in Madison County. But do make sure that it is still on schedule before you go. Because Covid has changed our lives a lot! Expect music, tours, food and fun.
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I have never heard about this place…lovely to read about this, Brinda! 🙂
No one builds such bridges any more! Thanks for dropping by
These bridges are definitely unique. Nice post!
Thank you – I did love visiting them…
Bridges of Madison County was a classic book. Thank you for the details, Brinda
Glad you are familiar with the book Harjeet!
What a lovely place! What I like about the series is that the architectural structures make the titles instead of the place names.
Thank you for noticing that Nandhini 🙂
Oh what a beauty! Lovely virtual treat to the eyes 🙂 Loved reading this one and will wait for some more of travel destinations.
Thank you for the encouraging words Varsha!!
It’s so great to know about such beautiful places. Good you came up with this topic. Loving it.
Thanks so much for the encouragement Rashi. I was undecided for a long time!
Your post had my heart at the sheer mention of Madison County. I’m a big fan of the book and the movie. Thanks for sharing this wonderful nugget of information.
Wow good to meet someone who had read the book and seen the movie! ❤️