Winterset, IA: Madison County (Our 35th County!)

One of the best road trips you can take in Iowa is through Madison County. Legions of travelers love the covered bridges, rolling hills, and unique landscapes. We were passing through and needed to soak in as much of Winterset as we could in a short period of time. We also wanted to be active and spend they day outside. Winterset had just the place for Team Goodvin. One of Iowa’s best city parks was calling us in. Let’s go hiking, explore, and get in one of Madison County’s iconic bridges in one peaceful park. By the way its hot but it won’t stop us from discovering an Iowa landmark…

We joined a host of fellow hikers on this day. We walked with folks from Nebraska, Louisiana, and Kentucky. All visiting Iowa and taking in this historic region that produced John Wayne and inspired the novel and movie, Bridges of Madison County. Our hike led us to Clark Tower. The top of the tower gives its onlookers an incredible view of the Iowa landscape. A quick breather and Team Goodvin was on the move…

We made it pack to City Park’s center where we found its hedge maze with the goal of finding the sun dial. Not quite like the maze in the Shining but fun none the less. Attached to maze was a Bocce Ball course. A sport I’ve always wanted to try if I wasn’t so busy UFC training. Someone needs to have the towels ready for all those fighters. More about Winterset now. We were parched and we sucked down our bottled waters in seconds. I was driving so Monie had an idea. A little taste testing at the local cider maker. Just outside of town is Winterset Cidery and its stunning tasting room selling and giving samples of it delicious and crisp hard ciders. A perfectly refreshing ending to a warm Winterset afternoon. Apples up!

We packed in a lot of outdoor adventures and visited a premier Iowa cidery in just 2 hours. Imagine what Winterset can provide in a full day or weekend! Like always, we discovered so many more reasons to come back. Museums, the town square, and all those infamous bridges. I want to send Meryl Streep a postcard and let her know that Winterset is doing well. Anyone have an address?

Be sure to read about more of our adventures in South Central Iowa!

Thanks for reading! -Team Goodvin