Covered Bridges Not Covered Dishes: Iowa Road Trip Part 4

KB wasn't so sure that taking me to see the covered bridges was a good thing. I don't know if it was because he thought they were lame when he was a kid or because the thinks the famous movie is so lame. I will say that despite his own trepidation, he did willingly drive me to the famed Madison County.

The bridges were covered by order of the County Board of Supervisors to help preserve the flooring timbers which were more expensive to replace than the lumber covering the sides and the roof.

One of my friends told us that the bridges were covered to help the horses more easily cross the bridges. You see, they look an awful lot like barns. Don't they? And bridges without sides can look like they are going to devour a horse. I know this because there were many horse eating bridges in Oklahoma when I was riding Chico. So, all in all, I like my friends story better.

The first bridge that we saw was the Hogback Covered Bridge.


The Hogback bridge is the only of the surviving bridges that still rests in its original location. It was built in 1884 by Benton James and is 97 feet long.



I was disappointed to see that there is quite a bit of graffiti on the inside of the bridges.


The sun was really bright. I think all these pictures would be better with a dose of PhotoShop. But, alas, I don't have it. Santa? Are you listening Santa? That would be a great gift since I am apparently doomed to not win it off of The Pioneer Woman.

I do like this reflection one though...




The next bridge we saw was the Cedar Covered Bridge. It is a replica that was dedicated in 2004. The original was destroyed by arson in 2002. Sad, isn't it? Several bridges and the house used as "Francesca's House" in the movie Bridges of Madison County were destroyed or damaged by arson. I don't have a picture of the Cedar Covered Bridge.




Next, we were off to see the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge. I was pretty convinced that I wouldn't like any of the others as much as the first one since it was in its original location. But, I was completely charmed by the Winterset City Park and the peaked roof on Cutler-Donahoe.


The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge was built in 1871 by Eli Cox. It is 79 feet long.





After a little excursion through the Winterset City Park, which we now consider one of the country's premier city parks, we were off to see the Holliwell Covered Bridge.


Look there! A cowboy is in the bridge! ;-)

This bridge was built in 1880 by Benton Jones. It is the longest covnered bridge, measuring 122 feet.



And last, but not least, the last covered bridge that we visited: Imes Covered Bridge.


Imes Covered Bridge is the oldest remaining bridge and was built in 1870.

Listen, do y'all see that picture up there? Can someone PLEASE explain why the sidewalk and the lightposts don't line up with the entrance to the bridge? Do they not understand that people take pictures of these bridges! And this, they oldest! Seriously people. Put some thought into these things!!!


I like the lattice looking cut outs in the Imes bridge. OH! Look at that good looking Pick up waiting on the other side!

We left one bridge to go back and see - the Roseman Covered Bridge. I'll get you next time, my pretty!

The second full weekend in October is the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival. If y'all are in the area, you should go. I would.