Let’s say you’re traveling through Iowa and you’re pressed for time. You only have one day to stop along your route and that’s in Winterset, Iowa, a charming small town full of iconic sights, small-town warmth, and plenty of things to do. So where to start? I’ve put together a full-day Iowa adventure that will allow you to experience all of Winterset’s best offerings, even if you only have less than 24 hours to explore. So let’s get started!

Start your day in Winterset with hot coffee and a hearty breakfast at Little Café. This artisan café and small-batch bakery offers a delicious homemade selection so you can start your day right. Try the BAE, a bacon, avocado and egg sandwich, with melted cheddar and spicy mayonnaise on a freshly baked croissant, you won’t regret it.

Next, let’s see some of the iconic covered bridges which inspired the iconic book, Madison County Bridges! No trip to Winterset would be complete without visiting the covered bridges that inspired Robert James Waller’s famous novel and the subsequent film adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. There are six covered bridges scattered throughout Madison County, and Winterset is the perfect starting point to explore a few of them.

The Hogback Covered Bridge and the Roseman Covered Bridge are two of the most popular and photogenic, both located within a short drive of the city. Each bridge has its unique design and history, and they are beautiful to visit all year round, whether surrounded by spring greenery, fall leaves, or winter snow.

Then we have the John Wayne Birthplace Museumdedicated to Winterset’s most famous native. John Wayne, originally named Marion Morrison, was born here in 1907, and this museum offers insight into his life and legendary Hollywood career. You can visit his small birthplace, preserved as it was during his early years, and explore exhibits featuring memorabilia from his films and personal life.

The museum has one of the largest collections of John Wayne memorabilia in the world, ranging from iconic costumes to rare photographs. It’s a must-visit for fans of classic cinema, and it offers a fascinating insight into how this small-town boy became one of American cinema’s most enduring figures.

After visiting the museum, stop at Cellar of covered bridges. Nestled in the rolling hills near Winterset, this family-owned winery makes wines from locally grown grapes and is a great place to relax with a tasting flight. Sip wines named in homage to the neighborhood’s covered bridges, like the white Bridges mixture or red Roseman. The tasting room offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with beautiful views of the countryside.

For dinner, go to The Drift Taproom and Restaurant on the town square, a restaurant that combines Iowa comfort food with a modern twist. Known for its burgers, steaks and other classic dishes, The Drift offers a warm and comfortable ambiance, perfect for a satisfying dinner. We heard the flatbreads were to die for!

Need a place to spend the night? Check hotels.com to see what Winterset, Iowa has to offer when it comes to lodging.