📷 Photo by James Peacock on UnsplashHolliwell Covered Bridge
Winterset, IA
The longest of the county’s surviving covered bridges, spanning the Middle River in a quiet, wooded setting. Closed to cars but open to walk across.
The Holliwell Covered Bridge is a wooden covered bridge near Winterset in Madison County, Iowa. It crosses the Middle River about 2 miles (3 km) southeast of town and was built in 1879-80 by the local carpenters H. P. Jones and G. K. Foster to replace a timber bridge only about 40 feet (12 m) long. It was finished in 1880.
At 159 feet (about 48 m) in total length, it is the longest of the county's surviving covered bridges and, according to the Iowa DOT, the longest remaining timber bridge in the state. It rests on a Town lattice truss topped by two timber arches and on iron cylinder piers. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is well preserved. Traffic was routed around it in 1986 and it is no longer in use; check ahead how close you can get.
- Nearest town
- Winterset, IA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.3000, -93.9950
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Des Moines West KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover17 mi from Holliwell Covered BridgeTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Timberline RanchMotorhome stopover20 mi from Holliwell Covered BridgeMotorhomes
- Lakeside Casino RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Holliwell Covered BridgeMotorhomes
- Lake Ahquabi State Park CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Holliwell Covered Bridge
- Island Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Holliwell Covered Bridge
- Green Valley State Park CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Holliwell Covered Bridge
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Holliwell Covered Bridge?
Holliwell Covered Bridge is in Winterset, IA, at GPS 41.3000, -93.9950. It is about 28 mi from Des Moines.
Can you camp near Holliwell Covered Bridge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Des Moines West KOA Holiday, about 17 mi away; within 25 mi there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Holliwell Covered Bridge?
Holliwell Covered Bridge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Covered bridges, Dutch windmills and the Amana Colonies.
What is there to see near Holliwell Covered Bridge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Roseman Covered Bridge (9 mi), Iowa State Capitol (29 mi), Ledges State Park (48 mi) and Vermeer Windmill (56 mi).
When is the best time to visit Holliwell Covered Bridge?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)