Roseman Bridge, near Winterset, Iowa
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Roseman Covered Bridge

4.8
·782 reviews·Winterset, United States

Iconic 1883 covered bridge, famous from 'The Bridges of Madison County.' A must-see for history and film buffs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dawn or Dusk

Perfect light for photos

CrowdLow
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Roseman Bridge, near Winterset, Iowa

Roseman Covered Bridge

Best Time

Dawn or Dusk

Perfect light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 1883 covered bridge, famous from 'The Bridges of Madison County.' A must-see for history and film buffs.

4.8
(782 reviews)

"A beautiful stop to visit and take pictures. This is a good remembrance of days gone by."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Magic

Visit at dawn or dusk for the best light and fewer crowds. Perfect for recreating movie scenes! :camerawithflash:

🚲 Bike the Bridges

Consider a bike tour to see multiple covered bridges in Madison County. :athletic_shoe:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 782 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roseman Covered Bridge

Roseman Covered Bridge

Madison County, Iowa

Iconic 1883 covered bridge, famous from 'The Bridges of Madison County.' A must-see for history and film buffs.

Film Location Magic

Film Location Magic

Roseman Covered Bridge

Experience the real-life setting of 'The Bridges of Madison County.' Recreate iconic movie stills for a memorable visit.

Instagram+1
Scenic Iowa Countryside

Scenic Iowa Countryside

Surrounding Roseman Covered Bridge

Enjoy the picturesque rural landscapes and nature surrounding the bridge, perfect for a calm walk or photo opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during dawn or dusk for the most spectacular light and a peaceful experience. Weekends can be surprisingly quiet, offering a more intimate encounter with this historic landmark. Reddit

Embrace the History

The Roseman Covered Bridge is famous for its role in 'The Bridges of Madison County.' While the graffiti tells tales of visitors past, the bridge's architecture and surroundings offer a beautiful glimpse into 1800s craftsmanship. Reddit

Best Times

When
Dawn or Dusk
Why
Perfect light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Surprisingly peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Roseman Covered Bridge is one of six remaining covered bridges in Madison County. Which ones have you visited? #madisoncountyiowa #iowapbs #traveliowa #exploreiowa #coveredbridges #iowahistory
iowapbs
108 likes • 1.9K views

📸 Capture the Magic

Visit at dawn or dusk for the best light and fewer crowds. Reddit Perfect for recreating movie scenes! Instagram :camerawithflash:

🚲 Bike the Bridges

Consider a bike tour to see multiple covered bridges in Madison County. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

Did you know that Clint Eastwood chose to film at the real Roseman Covered Bridge rather than reconstructing it, saving around $1.5 million in production costs?  The Bridges of Madison County (1995) is about Francesca Johnson, an Italian-American farm wife living in 1960s Iowa, whose brief encounter with National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid awakens deep longing and possibility. In the...
screenloverss
11 likes • 717 views
Middle River flooding through Pammel Park and under Roseman Covered Bridge near Winterset, Iowa. We got 7 to 8 inches of rain last night. Our rain gauge was filled to the brim!!! Streams washed over multiple roads and on highway 92. Our backyard flooded yet again inside a week from the last big rainy event. Too mich rain! Thank goodness ess it didnt rain yesterday during the Madison Co Farmers Mar...
cedarshakefarmer
5 likes • 279 views

🛶 Kayak Launch Point

The bridge area is a great spot to launch a kayak onto the Middle River. Reddit 🛶

🎁 Browse the Gift Shop

A small, charming gift shop offers local items and bridge history. Reddit 🎁

Tour de Covered Bridges! - Back in the homeland for this fun day out! Feels great to continue to see new things in Iowa. Makes it even better to do it by bike :) Managed to snag 5/6 Madison County Covered Bridges by bike. Hope to bag them all next time… - Mileage: 52.95 miles Elevation Gain: 3,261 ft - Here are the bridges in order of completion. How you get there is up to you :) ☑️Imes Covered...
loganhoile
47 likes • 749 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Magic

Visit at dawn or dusk for the best light and fewer crowds. Reddit Perfect for recreating movie scenes! Instagram :camerawithflash:

🚲 Bike the Bridges

Consider a bike tour to see multiple covered bridges in Madison County. Instagram :athletic_shoe:

🛶 Kayak Launch Point

The bridge area is a great spot to launch a kayak onto the Middle River. Reddit 🛶

🎁 Browse the Gift Shop

A small, charming gift shop offers local items and bridge history. Reddit 🎁

What Travellers Say

4.8
(782 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Roseman Covered Bridge to be a beautiful and iconic landmark, especially for fans of 'The Bridges of Madison County.' The bridge's historical architecture and the surrounding scenic nature are frequently praised, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience. While some note graffiti, the overall sentiment is that it's a worthwhile and charming stop.

"This is a very beautiful and iconic place. I learned about this bridge through the book “Bridges of Madison County.” This is the second time I have ever been there. Since it was Halloween, we decided to take some fun pics."

Drew Evans

"A beautiful stop to visit and take pictures. This is a good remembrance of days gone by. There is lots of graffiti on the walls, mainly who was here and where they are from.

You can also launch your kayak from this bridge."

Kris Pillar

"Made famous by the movie, Bridges of Madison County, the Roseman bridge stands as a tribute to the ingenuity, craftsmanship and architectural design, of the late 1800’s. Now grant it, it has a rather cheesy gift shop, the beauty of this structure and its surroundings are simply beautiful. A must see. There are several other covered bridges in the area that are just as beautiful and significant as the Roseman bridge. We will return when our adventures bring us in search of all covered bridges, especially those of Madison County."

Mark Todd

What People Like

Iconic movie location
Beautiful historic architecture
Peaceful scenic surroundings

What People Dislike

Graffiti on walls

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Roseman Covered Bridge is located in Madison County, Iowa, near Winterset. It's accessible by car via rural roads. Many visitors drive along the Iowa Scenic Bridges Byway to visit multiple bridges. Instagram

Yes, there is typically parking available near the bridge, allowing for easy access for visitors. Instagram

Public transport options are very limited in rural Madison County. It's best to have your own vehicle or join a guided tour. Instagram

Yes, a 2-hour tour is offered for the covered bridges of Madison County, which includes the Roseman Covered Bridge. Instagram

Many visitors opt for a scenic drive or a bike tour to explore the six remaining covered bridges in Madison County. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting the Roseman Covered Bridge is free of charge. It's a public landmark. Instagram

The bridge is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the best times for photography and a peaceful visit are during daylight hours, especially dawn and dusk. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit the Roseman Covered Bridge. Instagram

Yes, you can walk through and explore the interior of the Roseman Covered Bridge. Reddit

The bridge is an outdoor landmark and remains open. However, heavy rain or flooding can impact access to surrounding areas. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Dawn and dusk offer the most spectacular light for photography, creating a magical atmosphere. Reddit

The bridge itself offers numerous angles. The surrounding riverbanks and rural landscape also provide beautiful backdrops. Reddit

Absolutely! The interior of the bridge, with its wooden beams and graffiti, offers unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is ideal. However, a smartphone camera can also capture stunning images, especially with good lighting. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The closest dining options are typically found in Winterset, Iowa, which is a short drive away. Instagram

While there are no designated picnic areas, you can enjoy a picnic in the scenic surroundings. Remember to pack out all trash. Reddit

The gift shop primarily sells souvenirs and local items; food options are generally not available there. Reddit

Winterset offers a range of local eateries, from casual diners to cafes, providing a taste of Iowa's culinary scene.

Food trucks are not a common feature at this rural landmark, but may occasionally be present during local events.

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