Things to do in Madison County Iowa

We were so surprised with the amount of things to do in Madison County Iowa. This rural county is full of hidden gem little towns and so much history. And its proximity to Des Moines makes it a great destination for many Midwesterners!

We visited in June in partnership with Travel Iowa. We used the Iowa Scenic Byways Passport to help plan our trip along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway that runs through Madison County. This passport gives you stops and discounts along all 13 of Iowa’s Scenic Byways – here’s how it works!

Step One: Visit this site to sign up for your pass. It will be emailed and texted to you!

Step Two: Visit stops along Iowa’s Scenic Byways and check in to receive discounts.

Step Three: Each month in 2021, you have a chance to win a Byway Prize Package. Each check-in = one entry!

We visited the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway in Madison County and had a blast exploring the stops it recommended. Here’s the details on our stops, along with a few others that we found along the way!

This post is sponsored by Travel Iowa, but all opinions are my own.

Heavenly Haven Bed & Breakfast

Heavenly Haven Bed & Breakfast is located in an old church in Winterset, Iowa, the heart of Madison County. It might just be the most quaint place we’ve ever stayed! We loved the breakfast each morning, along with getting to know the other guests. The hosts are wonderful and so friendly – their stories about the area through the years were so fun to hear!

Roseman Bridge

Covered bridges that were built in the 1800s sprinkle the countryside of Madison County. This may sound familiar from the movie and book “Bridges of Madison County” as part of the movie was filmed at Roseman Bridge! Because of that, it’s the most famous of the covered bridges in the area and even has a gift shop nearby.

Each bridge is a bit unique, and you can find them all on the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway passport! And in case you’re wondering, like I was, the bridges are covered because the lumber to build the base of the bridges were very expensive, so they were covered to protect that lumber and also keep horses from getting spooked buy the rushing water below. So cool!

Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch

Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Farm is a great spot for families. Even though we weren’t there in the fall, there was so much to see and do. Shop around at the gift shop, buy some plants and flowers from the greenhouse, or play around the property! We loved seeing the baby goats that were just born that week, and were in awe of the play yard for kids. Visiting a farm is a must when in Iowa, and this is such a unique way to do so!

Madison County Winery

You’ll find wineries all throughout Madison County, but we stopped by Madison County Winery to use our Scenic Byways Passport to redeem our free tasting! They offer a range of dry and sweet wines, along local tap beer. The patio is gorgeous and offers wonderful views of the vines, and the owners and staff were so friendly!

Winterset City Park

Winterset City Park is located in Winterset Iowa, and is a whopping 76 acres, located right in town. By far the coolest city park we’ve experienced in our travels. While here, see the Cutler-Donahue Covered Bridge and climb up the stone tower for some great views of the area!

Iowa Quilt Museum

Quilting in America is full of history, and you can see a lot of that history at the Iowa Quilt Museum. Quilters come from near and far to experience the museum and shop the local fabric and quilting shops. The annual “Airing of the Quilts” event was taking place the day we visited, so we were able to see them displayed outside too! Make sure to use your Scenic Byways Passport for an entrance fee discount.

Pammel State Park

Another stop along the Iowa Scenic Byways Passport is Pammel State Park. Middle River weaves in and out of the park, so it makes for some pretty hiking. Make sure to stop at the damn and the Harmon Tunnel while your’e there!

Beans & Beignets

Beans & Beignets was one of our favorite things to do in Madison County. Who would have thought you could get great beignets in Iowa?? So full of surprises! We ordered a few sandwiches and beignets for lunch. Delish!

Flourish Mercantile and Florals

Attached to Beans & Beignets is Flourish Mercantile and Florals. This little shop offers lots of local goodies, and even has an ice cream parlor in the back! Definitely worth a visit to get something for a friend or to get yourself a souvenir!

Frostee’s

Whenever we drove by Frostee’s when in Winterset, there was a huge line! We finally visited and ordered one of their famous lemon soft serve ice cream cones. It hit the spot on the 90 degree day we were there! If lemon isn’t your thing, you can get creative with the fun flavors and toppings – YUM.

Welcome to Winterset Mural

I love a good mural, and this one called my name when we drove by! Located in the main downtown square of Winterset, the mural is located in an alley with even more murals that line the sides of the buildings. Bring your camera and a smile!

The Drift

When in Winterset, make sure to visit the cutest restaurant downtown. The Drift offers craft beer, wine, cocktails, and food. We ordered the Italian sausage nachos and a few craft sandwiches. Everything was amazing, and the nachos were some of the best I’ve ever had! Definitely recommend!

Big Rack Brew

We had to seek out the brewery that we kept seeing on tap at the local restaurants in Winterset and even Des Moines. Big Rack Brew is located outside of town on a farm site that makes you feel like you’re grabbing a drink in your buddy’s shed! The atmosphere may be unique, but the beer is top notch! Make sure to stop here!

Spoons Full of Sugar Boutique

Downtown Winterset Iowa is full of little shops, but located a few blocks from the main square is Spoons Full of Sugar Boutique. This one was my favorite – cute clothes, jewelry, and local goodies!

I hope you get the chance to enjoy some of the many things to do in Madison County Iowa. Thanks for reading!

Things to do in Madison County Iowa