We visited the bridges of Madison County entirely by accident during the Covered Bridge Festival…read more That just happened to be the time that we were driving through the area and we honestly had no idea until we arrived. I honestly think the timing kind of put a damper on our experience. Instead of being able to take in the bridges quietly and enjoy this scenery, there were people everywhere including loud groups and dust was getting kicked up on us constantly. It was really difficult to find parking and there was just a general sense of disturbance of the piece and the beauty of the nature surrounding us. It was also virtually impossible to get any good photographs. I know we've come a long way and our phones can remove a person or two from a picture, but crowds of people make it much more difficult. After the first few Bridges, we figured if our visit was going to be disturbed in this way, we might as well balance things out by checking out the main festival in winterset. Unfortunately, when we arrived we realized that dogs are not allowed even though it's an outdoor fair. That made it even more frustrating because we couldn't even enjoy some kennel corn to make up for the overcrowded bridge visits. All that said, the bridges themselves are still really lovely and historical and I can see why this area is loved and that people would come from all around to celebrate the bridges. I would still recommend coming to take a look at them, but definitely to avoid the festival weekend if you're looking for a more peaceful, reflective experience.

I took a tour through the chamber of commerce and had Jewel as my tour guide. She was very…read moreinformative and fun to be around. I loved all of the history that she shared with me and all of the personal stories in between. Highly recommend!

I like to squeeze in a museum when I can in a city that is unfamiliar to me. This stop was truly on…read morea whim. My main reason for dropping by Des Moines was to see an Iowa Wild game. The following day, I had to leave the city and head back to Bloomington. I wanted to do a quick touristy visit somewhere. I did a search and found Jordan House Museum. Driving over here was enjoyable. The leaves were a gorgeous deep red in the area. I had no problem finding the museum. When you are pulling into the parking lot, you do not want to come in at full force. I didn't because I was checking the house out. The lot where you park your car is all gravel. When you walk up to the museum, it is thankfully cement. If you want a tour of the museum, you do need to book online. Even if you book online, it's based on demand. If there aren't enough folks who want to do the tour, it gets cancelled. I saw the cancellation sign on the door. Since I visited because I felt like it, I still learned a lot with the signs and information presented to me. I was not disappointed. I also like self-exploration, which may not be for everyone. Jordan House was built by James Cuttingham Jordan, who was an abolitionist. This house was a station on the Underground Railroad in Iowa. It ended up being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. James Jordan was a cattle farmer from Virginia. He settled in central Iowa in 1846. He was a businessman, organizing the State Bank of Des Moines. He helped bring the railroad to Des Moines. He ultimately ended up being a civic leader, and was elected to both the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives. He helped move the state capital from Iowa City to Des Moines. I had no idea that Iowa City was once the state capital. Cool! There is a pathway to history in front of the main entrance of this house, where you can reserve a brick and have it dedicated to a special loved one. I spent a lot of time reading the messages on this pathway. It was highly enjoyable and moving on a Fall day. My favourite saying came from the Caruthers family: Be so awesome today that tomorrow is jealous!!! Three exclamation points. Love it! There was one other woman who had pulled into the lot next to my rental car. She did not do any self-exploration. She went to the main door, saw that the tour was cancelled, headed back to her vehicle, and left. The house is well-maintained on the outside. It has a veranda with a bunch of green chairs. The lawn was recently mowed. The small shrubs around the flags at the front were perfectly trimmed. I had a nice, off-the-cuff visit to this museum. I learned a lot and hope to do a tour inside the museum whenever I'm back in Des Moines for hopefully a longer visit. (458)

Great tour. Guide was very knowledgeable. Home has several of the original articles. We took our 3…read moreteenagers, 2 girls(12&14) and a boy (15), and they all enjoyed it. Not once did they get on their phone due to boredom.

I went to the Gold Star Military Museum and had a wonderful experience with my group. They start…read morewith a short introduction presentation on the history of Camp Dodge and the significance in Iowa. They then let you roam through the exhibits, giving tidbits of information and are around to answer questions as they come up. I was impressed with the quantity and quality of items they had on display for each war Iowa has been involved in. They also have many of the large vehicles, tanks, and aircrafts outside to drive past or walk around. Highly recommend to all Iowans!

This is a beautiful base to live near. There is a museum on base that you can visit. There used to…read morebe a gigantic Olympic pool years ago. Now over the top of the pool is a beautiful outdoor gala and set up for different activities. One in particular is during the summer they host free concert nights. Open to the public, free, and perfect way to enjoy the nice summer evenings and get to mingle with people who live or visit the base. There is a small chapel and the other area that is open to rent for weddings, parties or what have you.

An unexpected find on the property of the Iowa State Capitol was the Iowa Holocaust Memorial. But I…read moreguess I shouldn't really be surprised - many of the concentration camp liberators were Iowa citizens and many of the concentration camp survivors moved here after the war. Lists of the camps and the dates of their liberation are here as are many quotes from survivors and other notables. How do we bring about "Never again!"? By educating people and reminding them of the horrors that came before us. Kudos to Iowa on building this great memorial.

This Holocaust memorial is right in front of the Iowa State Capitol, just down the steps. We were…read morewondering around downtown and came across this somewhat small but mighty memorial. It was an excellent time to talk to our son about history and reflection. It was especially interesting to me as a German citizen and I recognized some of the cities in the pictures; the regions where I grew up. This sparked some great conversations among us and a good time to learn more about each other and our past as a while world. It is beautifully made to last forever surrounded by the front lawn of the Capitol and flower gardens. Make sure you stop by when in the area. Lots to be learned and reflected on here...

Gayle and I recently took my Dad out on a road trip from Ames to Winterset. He'd been here before,…read morebut we took him along anyway as he enjoys the ride. Our 2nd stop along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway was the Cedar Covered Bridge, which you can drive through. The Cedar Bridge (previously known as the Casper or Storrs Bridge) was built in 1883, with a span length of 78 feet. Cedar Bridge originally crossed Cedar Creek 2.7 miles northeast of Winterset, on what is now Highway 169, before being moved in 1920 to its present location. The original cost of the bridge was $2,964.73. The Cedar Bridge carried traffic until 1920, when it was moved to its current site over Cedar Creek. Here it functioned in place until it too was bypassed in 1964 by another bridge. It now acts as the centerpiece of a small park. An illustration of Cedar Bridge graces the cover of the novel, The Bridges of Madison County, by Robert James Waller. Oprah Winfrey came to Winterset in the spring of 1993 and filmed an episode of her show from the lawn around Cedar Bridge. A set of stairs descending the bank near the bridge was built for Oprah to make her entrance and these are now known as "Oprah's Steps." The 2 Covered Bridges featured in the Bridges of Madison County movie were Roseman and Holliwell.

This is the only covered bridge you can still drive across. There is a small park with it and it…read morehas a grill and tables if you want to picnic.

Probably the most ridiculous experience I have ever had! I rented this venue for a small wedding on…read more10/6/18 but the venue owner was so intrusive and on edge it was uncomfortable. He paced back and forth and would go around the room telling each of my guests that this is his home, he inserted himself in every aspect of my event and I received numerous complaints from my guests. Parking was a problem; the owner has a car under a tarp under the only carport blocking valuable parking, they said anyone who couldn't get in the driveway could use street parking but what they don't tell you is the street parking is full from the neighbors on the weekend. In my opinion this person clearly does not want to rent this place as a venue and should not in the future. If you want a truly awkward experience this is your place.

We had a truly outstanding experience at Witmer House this weekend when we rented the venue for a…read morefamily memorial. Every detail was exceptional from the food to the decor of the house to the service provided by the hosts. The venue itself is a wonderful place to hold an event as there are several rooms for guests to visit with each other, ample parking and beautiful details throughout. The brunch that was prepared for us was fresh, unique and the perfect fare for our guests. The chocolate chip cookies were sublime. I highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for a unique, intimate yet expansive place to host a special event.

The Anthene Pedestrian Bridge connects Raccoon River and Walnut Creek parks by foot or bike. The…read moretrail is nice and wide and the bridge has a great scenic view of the river. I was able to get a sneak peek as the official opening date is in another week. It's a 1/2 mile walk from the Raccoon River boat ramp.

Finally took time to check out the new connection bridge between Raccoon River Bridge and Walnut…read moreWoods Park. It takes a little walk from the Raccoon River Park side to get to it, but is closer to the parking at Walnut Woods. Great view of the river. Can't wait for it to be warmer so we can explore a little more.

The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower plays music all day and an opportunity for visitors to have a…read moregreat view of the countryside of Greene County. The elevator takes visitors to the top from Memorial Day - Labor Day daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays in May, September & October from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Available for tours by appointment by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 515-386-2155 Cost is $3/person and free to youth 18 yrs. of age or younger compliments of Jefferson Telecom. Host a special event for up to 12 people at the top of the Bell Tower. Rent this space for $50 for a 2 hour period by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 515-3862155. A staff member will work with you on set-up and be present during your event. There are tables and chairs available for your group to enjoy the beautiful view! Restaurants in Jefferson would be happy to cater refreshments or a meal - or bring your own.

Go to the top of this tower and see a panoramic view of the community and the beautiful countryside…read morefrom the enclosed glass observation deck. You will also see the first installation of roof top art in the community. A great tour staff can tell you the story of why Jefferson has this unique structure in the downtown square. The bells ring every 15 min. It's a fun stop and if you have kids the elevator ride is worth it for them! Kids are free and adult admission cost is $3.

This place is extremely beautiful. The biggest downside to here is the hours on their website are…read morenot accurate. I came here to visit the inside and the arrive to a locked door. On the door was a note saying they are only open 1 day a week. I was able to peak in the window and see all the beautiful architecture. I was also able to explore the outside grounds too. However it can be slightly frustrating if your website says it will be open but you're not actually open. Overall this place is not huge and is a walkable distance to several other things. So I recommend walk past it to see if it's open. If it's closed, visit somewhere else.

This place is absolutely stunning inside. So clean, well kept. It was our first time & we attended…read moreCandlelight The Beatles. The staff were so pleasant, & helpful. I got a small sprite for $1. They had cocktails available. The bathroom immaculate. I would definitely recommend checking this beautiful building out given the chance! The symphony played for an hour & did an amazing job. I heard there is a beautiful garden outside however we rushed to our cars because of the cold temps.