Day Trip to Winterset, Iowa

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Day Trip to Winterset, Iowa

I am a huge fan of day trips. It is the perfect way to explore different communities around Des Moines, Iowa. I love to discover restaurants and hidden gems all over and Winterset, Iowa located in Madison County never disappoints. Take a look at some of our favorite spots we like to stop and play at when we head west to Winterset, Iowa.

Badger Creek State Recreation Area

Address: 120th Lane in Van Meter, Iowa.

Depending on the time of year you make your way to Winterset, you may be able to see some larger-than-life sunflowers at Badger Creek State Recreation Area located in Van Meter. The sunflowers typically bloom in mid to late July and last through the beginning of August. Take a look at all the details on how to find the sunflowers in our quick Badger Creek State Recreation Area guide. When you are finished exploring, jump in the car and head back on the road to Winterset. One of my favorite things about Madison County is the beautiful views and all the fun animals you may come across along the way.

Petite Cafe

Address: 106 West Court in Winterset

I love a cute, local cafe! Petite Cafe is located off the Winterset square. This is the perfect stop to grab some fuel before your adventures around Winterset. You will find unique lattes, breakfast sammies, delish baked goods items, and even pup cups if you ask nicely! Looking for lunch? They also offer salads and wraps.

Clark Tower

Address: Located in Winterset City Park a 300 South 9th Street in Winterset, Iowa. 

Clark Tower is located in Winterset City Park and is one of the many things to see and do when you visit the park. Clark Tower is a 25-foot limestone castle built in 1926. You can walk or drive to the tower depending on your skill level. We decided to drive because we had more things he wanted to explore. As you are driving or hiking make sure you keep your eyes open for wildlife! We came across a deer lying right by the road! Clark Tower is a great place for imaginations to go wild. Amelia has always referred to it as “Rapunzel’s Castle”. It is also a fantastic place to take in some beautiful Madison County views.

All Inclusive Playgrounds

Address: Located in Winterset City Park at 300 South 9th Street in Winterset, Iowa. 

Just recently the playground within Winterset City Park got a huge upgrade! The new playground is set to honor Winterset and Madison County, incorporating Clark Tower, the bridges of Madison County, and the culture of farming. The main playground structure has two main levels with multiple ways to get up and down and to other parts of the structure. Also, the entire things is accessible for all! Kids of all abilities will have tons of fun playing on this playground. There is also a zip line!

More To Do at Winterset City Park

Winterset City Park is huge and there is so much to see and do. You could easily pack a lunch and spend the entire day there. Other things to see and do within Winterset City Park include:

• Rotary Hedge Maze – teach your kids what a sundial is!
• Walk across one of the last covered bridges in the area, the Cutler-Donahue Bridge.
• Camprgound – plan an entire weekend to explore the area.
• During the Summer months Winterset plans select days for Movie Night in the Park.

Winterset Dog Park

Address: 2508 225th Trail in Winterset.

If you have a doggo like us you will want to check out the Winterset Dog Park! This dog park is includes a 4-acre large dog area, one-half acre small dog area, both completely fenced. There is not much shade, but there are tons of fun climbable features for dogs to play on. Make sure you snag a dog park pass before you go.

Montross Pharmacy

Addrress: 120 N 1st Avenue in Winterset.

Montross Pharmacy is  Madison County’s oldest family-owned restaurant. They are famous for their old-fashioned soda fountain and Montross fountain milkshake. You cannot go wrong with a classic old-fashioned soda fountain.

Covered Bridges Winery

Address:  2207 170th Trail in Winterset.

Covered Bridges Winery is located on a hill just outside of the center of Winterset and is serene and peaceful. We love to grab lunch and head here to try some wine samples and allow the kids to play on the hill. During the weekends they often offer food and live music. A great place to hang out!

Bridges of Madison County

Winterset and Madison County is known for their covered bridges! You may be familiar with from the movie “The Bridges of Madison County.” Madison County offers a great map to find all of the bridges. As you drive through the area you will see signs that point you in the direction towards a bridge. As we are exploring we will go off route to find and explore a covered bridge. One of our favorites is the Hogback Bridge (pictured below). You can write your name on the bridge and pick wildflowers around the area. Many spend the entire day visiting and crossing off all six of the covered bridges.

Pammel State Park

Address: 1900 Pammel Park Road in Winterset

Pammel State Park is another great park where you can plan to stay an entire day or weekend (they offer a campground!). This state park is filled with rich history and is one of the first state parks in Iowa. It offers extensive trails, a nature center, and the only highway tunnel in Iowa. The highlight and what many may know what this park is known for is how Middle River runs through the park, with a ford providing perfect splashing for kids. There are a ton of hiking opportunities as well! One of our favorite trails (kid-friendly) is Backbone Trail.

Frostee’s

Address: 101 E Green Street in Winterset

There is nothing better than an old. local ice cream shop in a small town! Frostee’s is a must before you finish up you adventures in Winterset. Snag a cyclone filled with your favorite candy. Heads up! They only accept cash and check, so be prepared.

Rusty Stars Alpacas

Address: 2054 Rustic Lane in Winterset.

We love animals and we are HUGE fans of Rusty Stars Alpacas. So much so it made the 100 Things To Do in Des Moines Before You Die book! A visit to Rusty Stars Alpacas is completely free, but they accept donations. Owners Aron Shultz and Kari Shultz are extremely knowledgable and have a passion to share everything they know about these curious animals. Before you leave make sure you stop by their Alpaca Store for some fun gifts and souveniors.

John Wayne Birthplace & Museum

Address: 205 S John Wayne Drive in Winterset

Did you know that Winterset, Iowa is the birthplace of John Wayne? Make a visit to the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum which offers artifacts and memorabilia from the actor’s life and career. Hours vary. Take a look at the website for all the details.

Madison County Events

The city of Winterset and Madison County offers a ton of fun events throughout the year, but here are two worth mentioning that we love!

Madison County Fall Crawl

Dates: Sunday, September 29, 2024

We have participated in the Madison County Fall Crawl twice! This is the perfect event to meet and learn about the amazing vendors, businesses, and organizations throughout Madison. Snag a Fall Crawl pass and see how many places you can cross off the passport. It is also a great way to get in the Fall mood! Purchase local meats, sip on cocktails, do arts and crafts, meet animals, shop, and so much more. Save the date!

Covered Bridge Festival

Dates: October 12 & 13, 2024

Celebrate the covered bridges and Madison County at the Covered Bridge Festival. Enjoy plenty of activities, food vendors, entertainment, and so much more. There is no better place to be in the Fall then in the heart of Madison County.