Let’s say you happen to be traveling through Iowa and are in a time crunch. You only have one day to stop along your route and it happens to be smack dab in Winterset, Iowa, a charming small town jam-packed with iconic sights, small-town warmth, and quite a few things to do. So, where do you even start? I’ve curated a day-trip adventure in Iowa that will let you see all the best Winterset offers, even when you only have less than 24 hours to explore. So let's begin!

Start your day in Winterset with a hot coffee and hearty breakfast at Petite Cafe. This craft coffee and a small batch bakery offers a delicious homemade selection for you to kick off your day the right way. Try The BAE, a bacon, avocado, and egg sandwich, with melted cheddar and spicy mayo on a freshly baked croissant, you won’t regret it.

Next, let’s head over to see some of the iconic covered bridges that inspired the iconic book, Bridges of Madison County! No trip to Winterset would be complete without visiting the covered bridges that inspired Robert James Waller’s famous novel and the subsequent film adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. There are six covered bridges scattered around Madison County, and Winterset is the perfect base to explore a few of them.

The Hogback Covered Bridge and Roseman Covered Bridge are two of the most popular and photogenic, both located within a short drive of town. Each bridge has its unique design and history, and they’re beautiful to visit year-round, whether framed by spring greenery, autumn leaves, or winter snow.

Next up, we have the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, dedicated to Winterset’s most famous native. John Wayne, originally named Marion Morrison, was born here in 1907, and this museum offers a look into his life and legendary Hollywood career. You can tour his small birthplace home, preserved as it was during his early years, and explore exhibits showcasing memorabilia from his films and personal life.

The museum has one of the largest collections of John Wayne artifacts in the world, from iconic costumes to rare photographs. This is a must-visit for fans of classic cinema, and it provides a fascinating peek into how this small-town boy grew into one of the most enduring figures in American film.

After the museum visit, make a stop at Covered Bridges Winery. Tucked away in the rolling hills near Winterset, this family-owned winery crafts wines from locally grown grapes, and it’s a great spot to unwind with a tasting flight. Sip on wines named in homage to the area’s covered bridges, like the white Bridges blend or the red Roseman. The tasting room offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with beautiful countryside views.

For dinner, make your way to The Drift Taproom & Restaurant on the town square, a restaurant that combines Iowa comfort food with a touch of modern flair. Known for its burgers, steaks, and other classic dishes, The Drift offers a warm, cozy ambiance perfect for a satisfying evening meal. We heard the flatbreads are out of this world!

Need a place to spend the night? Check out hotels.com to see what Winterset, Iowa has for accommodations.