Des Moines to Winterset: A Scenic Drive to Covered Bridge Capital

The route from Des Moines to Winterset follows US-169 south, a road that was once part of the historic Jefferson Highway, one of America's earliest transcontinental auto trails. This 30-mile stretch connects Iowa's capital to the heart of Madison County, famous for its six historic covered bridges. The drive takes approximately 35 minutes under normal conditions, but you'll want to budget more time for stops. The landscape transitions from urban sprawl to rolling farmland and wooded valleys, offering a quintessential Midwestern road trip experience. how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

US-169 is a four-lane highway for the first 10 miles out of Des Moines, then narrows to two lanes with occasional passing zones. The road is well-maintained year-round, but winter conditions can reduce visibility and traction. Fuel stations are plentiful in the suburbs but sparse in the rural stretch; fill up before leaving Des Moines. Gas prices average $0.10 more per gallon near the city center than at stations along the route.

• Recommended fuel stops: Casey's (4351 SW 9th St, Des Moines) and Kum & Go (8500 University Ave, Clive) on the outskirts.
• Check tire pressure before departure as rural roads may have hidden potholes after spring thaw.

The drive unfurls across the Southern Iowa Drift Plain, a region of gently rolling hills carved by glaciers. Watch for the transition from corn and soybean fields to oak-hickory woodlands as you near the Middle River Valley. The star attractions are the six historic covered bridges—Cedar, Hogback, Holliwell, Imes, Cutler-Donahoe, and Roseman—each tucked into wooded hollows. These 19th-century structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, though not UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the nearest UNESCO site is the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in nearby places like Cedar Rock).

Local commerce centers on Winterset's town square, home to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum and a handful of antique shops. The Covered Bridge Winery (on Iowa 92) offers tastings, and the Winterset Farmers Market runs Saturdays from May to October. For a hidden off-route spot, detour 2 miles west of Winterset to Pammel State Park, which has trails along the Middle River and a rustic cabin for picnicking.

• Key attractions: John Wayne Birthplace (224 S. 2nd St), Covered Bridge Winery (2264 IA-92), Madison County Courthouse (built 1876).
• Hidden gem: The Boone Bridge (not covered but scenic) off 230th Street near St. Charles.

Given the short duration, fatigue is rarely an issue, but restless passengers may need breaks. The route has two official rest areas: one at the Madison County Welcome Center (2200 NW 92nd St, near the Adel exit) and another at the Winterset Rest Area (just south of town on US-169). Both have picnic tables and restrooms. For families, the Bridges of Madison County Scenic Byway offers photo ops at each bridge; the cutest is Roseman Bridge (1 mile east of Winterset on 120th Ave)

Pet-friendly considerations: Most bridges allow leashed pets, but inside museums (John Wayne Birthplace) only service animals are permitted. The welcome center has a small grassy area for dogs. Rural stretches have little shoulder space, so avoid walking pets on the highway. Child suitability is high—kids love exploring the covered bridges and the interactive exhibits at the John Wayne Museum. Ice cream at the Winterset Dairy Sweet (115 S. 1st Ave) is a perfect reward.

• Rest zones: Madison County Welcome Center (picnic area, restrooms), Winterset Rest Area (vending machines, RV parking).
• Safety tip: Watch for deer at dusk, especially near the Middle River crossings.