Madison County, Administrative county in Iowa, United States
Description
Madison County is a rural administrative county in central Iowa featuring agricultural land, small towns, and villages spread throughout its area. The county's territory is crossed by several highways that link it to neighboring regions.
History
Established in 1846 and named after President James Madison, the county followed a common naming pattern for the era. Local government organization began in 1849 as early settlers arrived.
Culture
The six covered wooden bridges scattered throughout the county, including the Cedar Bridge and Roseman Bridge, demonstrate how 19th-century builders solved the problem of crossing rivers. These structures remain popular destinations for visitors exploring rural heritage.
Practical
The region is best explored by car, with major roads well distributed throughout and towns connected via routes like Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 6. The rural character means attractions and towns are spread out rather than clustered.
Did you know?
A limestone highway tunnel exists in Pammel Park, the only one of its kind in Iowa and a rare structure in this region. This tunnel cuts through a hillside along the Middle River and surprises many visitors.
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Roseman Covered Bridge
12.4 km
Cedar Covered Bridge
4.2 km
Hogback Covered Bridge
7 kmClark Tower
1.2 km
Holliwell Covered Bridge
4.3 km
Imes Bridge
18.1 km
Cutler–Donahoe Bridge
453 m
John Wayne Birthplace Museum
428 m
St. Patrick's Church
21.2 km
Madison County Courthouse
658 m
Henry C. Wallace House
966 mMiller Bridge
10.8 kmHogan and Martha A. Runkle Queen House
9.9 km
C.D. Bevington House and Stone Barn
486 m
North River Stone Schoolhouse
8.5 kmJohn Andrew and Sara Macumber Ice House
9.9 km
Guiberson House
744 mDuff Barn
4.2 km
W.J. and Nettie J. Cornell House
1 km
Winterset Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District
631 mSprague, Brown, and Knowlton Store
594 mJohn and Amanda Bigler Drake House
17.9 kmCunningham Bridge
14.8 kmMiles and Elizabeth Smith Kellogg House
2.6 km
Earlham Public School
20.3 kmWilliam Ogburn House
11.5 kmJohn and Fredericka Meyer Schnellbacher House
12.1 kmSeymour Church House
8.4 km
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