Things to do in Iowa, United States: The Best Bridges

April 26, 2022 Velvet Champine

History and monuments dot this landscape almost as often as the golden farmlands. Learn about America’s 31st president at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch. In northeast Iowa is the Effigy Mounds National Monument, a group of prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds. This part of Iowa is also home to the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage. The 37-county region tells the story of American agriculture, agribusiness and farm life and is affiliated with the National Park Service. In addition, there are five national wildlife refuges here. If you love history, imagine seeing the Amana Colonies, consisting of seven historic villages in 1855 by German immigrants as a religious communal society. Here you can also buy antiques, hand-woven baskets, furniture and clocks and locally made wine and beer. In Ames, take the family to see the Christian Petersen Art Museum, a newer structure that exhibits works of art by Christian Petersen and contemporary artists. You won’t want to miss the state capital of Des Moines, home to Blank Park Zoo with its naturalistic exhibits and more than 800 animals from five continents. You also should enjoy the Brenton Skating Plaza, an outdoor family entertainment venue.


Restaurants in Iowa

1. High Trestle Trail

2335 Qf Ln West on Hwy 210, S on QF Lane; parking lot is 3/4 mi from trestle bridge, Madrid, IA 50156-7468 http://www.inhf.org/high-trestle-trail-intro.cfm
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 214 reviews

High Trestle Trail

Reviewed By JMJR2K - Independence, United States

The High Trestle Trail is just an amazing biking and walking trail just outside of Des Moines. It’s a flat, all paved concrete and asphalt, and about 26+ miles overall. My recording will show more time and mileage because I made several stops along the way and rode the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail for a bit as well. This is my 3rd ride on this trail and I never get tired of it. There are rest stops along the way with water and restrooms, tire pumps and bike repair stations, and several small towns with restaurants and breweries like Slater and Madrid. Of course the Trestle bridge is the highlight and be sure to ride it during the day, and enjoy the blue LED lights at night. It was a great day for riding and depending upon which way the wind is blowing you’re sure to have a headwind or tailwind in the open stretches but just take your time and enjoy the ride!

2. Blackhawk Bridge

Lansing, IA 52151
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Blackhawk Bridge

Reviewed By PamplonaBound - Chicago, United States

The Blackhawk bridge is more than 85 years old having first been established as a toll bridge between the 2 states. On certain nights of the year, the lights on the bridge are turned on. It is relatively narrow with only 1 lane in each direction. There is a bit of a "roller coaster effect" when you drive both onto and off the long middle section of the bridge, thus making it important that drivers follow the 25 mile per hour limit. The bridge is slated to be replaced in a few years by a wider, taller bridge to meet current day regulations. Well worth crossing and seeing the lovely river/town views and the very impressive bridge design.

3. Roseman Bridge

Elderberry Ave, Winterset, IA 50273 http://www.madisoncounty.com/world-famous-covered-bridges
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 223 reviews

Roseman Bridge

Reviewed By 570creative - San Antonio, United States

Nice gift shop next door. Note you will drive on dusty gravel roads to get to this location. Hogback Bridge has the same design.

4. Swinging Bridge

3rd Street, Columbus Junction, IA http://columbusjunctioniowa.org/swinging-bridge/
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Swinging Bridge

Reviewed By MissJoyceI

How fun! We were here midday/midweek and there were so many people coming and going. It is well maintained, thankfully. It was very fun!

5. Bentonsport Bridge

21991 Hawk Dr, Bentonsport, IA 52565-8260
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Bentonsport Bridge

Reviewed By Cooperton - Conroy, United States

I was traveling with my mom on a mother/daughter trip. Next time we are in the area, I will make a stop with the rest of the family. It is an old bridge that is now a pedestrian only bridge. You can feel the history of the area. It also gives you a great view of the Des Moines River. It would make a great family photo. It appears that there is an ice cream shop next to the bridge. We didn't stop there but we did stop at the store across the street and found some great finds at a reasonable price. We were traveling on a Tuesday and although there are other shops there, none of them are open on Mondays and most were not open on Tuesdays.

6. Holliwell Bridge

Holliwell Bridge Road, Winterset, IA 50273 http://www.madisoncounty.com/world-famous-covered-bridges
Excellent
52%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Holliwell Bridge

Reviewed By Oldtravellers50 - Mize, United States

I loved the bridge tour and am so glad we didn't miss t his one. It was located in the park and easy to get to. It is a beautiful and well preserved bridge like the ones I remember from my early childhood. I only wish that visitors to these old relics didn't have a need to carve or write their initials/names on the walls. In spite of that, it is still a great piece of history well worth seeing. Easy to find. No tour guide needed. Tour at your own pace. It is free.

7. Cutler-Donahoe Bridge

S 9th St, Winterset, IA 50273 http://www.madisoncounty.com/world-famous-covered-bridges
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Cutler-Donahoe Bridge

8. Hogback Covered Bridge

Hogback Bridge Rd, Winterset, IA 50273 http://www.madisoncounty.com/tours
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Hogback Covered Bridge

Reviewed By QueenMiller - Stewartsville, United States

Set apart and out by itself and very secluded. It has beautiful scenery of woods and river surrounding it so perfect for pictures or a picnic. What a great solid bridge! I hope to see it with my kids someday!

9. Imes Covered Bridge

Imes Bridge Rd, Saint Charles, IA http://www.madisoncounty.com/portfolio/imes-covered-bridge-1870
Excellent
57%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Imes Covered Bridge

10. Ely Stone Bridge

Monticello, IA
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Ely Stone Bridge

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