Madison County Courthouse, Renaissance courthouse in Winterset, Iowa.
Madison County Courthouse is a Renaissance building with four matching sides, each featuring columned entrances under broad roof sections. A silver dome crowns the roof and makes the structure visible from across town.
After a fire destroyed the previous courthouse in 1875, the county hired architect Alfred H. Piquenard to design a replacement. The new building opened in 1878 and became the symbol of the town's recovery.
The building sits at the heart of Winterset's downtown square, where shops and restaurants cluster around its exterior. This location serves as the town's main gathering point and civic center.
The building is located downtown and easy to reach on foot or by car, with parking available around the square. Visitors should know this is an active courthouse, so formal rules apply to access certain areas.
Inside, the building features solid walnut woodwork throughout, showcasing 19th century craftsmanship. These fine details are easy to miss but shape the feel of every room you walk through.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
