Clark Tower crowns a hill in Winterset’s City Park. (Photo: Jessica O’Riley)
By Jessica O’Riley
While I’m still waiting less than patiently for cooler temperatures to arrive, I’ve been dreaming of other fall trips besides the one I recently suggested to woodsy northeast Iowa. Most people know Madison County for its famous bridges and its famous cowboy, John Wayne, but allow me to share some lesser-known attractions that are worth adding to your fall itinerary.
The Covered Bridge Festival: This year’s big weekend lands on Oct. 10-11 with craft vendors, a parade, car show, live music, demonstrations, food, kids’ activities and more. The Winterset Rotary Club hosts bus tours of the bridges 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-noon Sunday.
City Park: Spanning 76 acres, the park includes three limestone shelter houses, a picnic area, a campground, the Cutler-Donahue Covered Bridge, a cabin built in 1852, a historical marker to the discovery of the Hawkeye apple (now known as the Delicious) and a fantastic hedge maze.
My favorite landmark, however, is Clark Tower. The 25-foot-tall limestone monument was built to honor Caleb and Ruth Clark, who were among the first pioneer settlers to arrive, in 1846. Caleb’s grandson presented the tower to the city in August 1926. You can reach the tower by foot, bicycle or car (nothing larger than a minivan). The 2-mile round trip follows a narrow, winding, one-way dirt road. If you’re driving, make sure to watch for walkers or bikers. Climbing the two-story, hilltop tower rewards you with sweeping views of the Middle River Valley.
George Stout Storybook: The artist Michael Goodall created this book-shaped sculpture to honor George Stout, a Winterset native who helped save priceless artwork during World War II. Stout grew up in town, earned a degree in art history from Harvard University and developed the modern scientific principles of art conservation. During and after the war, he and several other “Monuments Men” recovered artwork stolen and hidden by the Nazis. When Hollywood released “The Monuments Men” movie in 2014, George Clooney played the character based on Stout.
Murals: Artists James Navarro and Katie Jensen designed a set of interactive murals on the east of side of the square, and all seven of them make for great photo opps. Pose as if you’re sitting on a wooden swing, stand in front of a pair of angel wings (next to a smaller pair for kids or dogs) or step into a scene from Super Mario Bros.
Rusty Stars Alpacas: Visit this 20-acre farm (for free) and pet or feed more than 30 alpacas. The gift shop sells a variety of products made from alpaca fiber. Typically open only on Saturdays, the farm also offers special events like alpaca hikes and yoga.
The Bakery Unlimited: Trust me, I’m not going to let a bakery go unmentioned — especially not if it placed third for the last two years in a row in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice list of the 10 Best Donut Shops in the country. Known for its apple fritter made with Red Delicious apples (naturally), the bakers also serve up donuts, bagels, pies and more. Fair warning: They occasionally sell out, so check their social media pages for updates and special offers.
Contributor Jessica O’Riley of Pleasant Hill worked for nearly 20 years with Travel Iowa, the state tourism office, after a previous stint with the Iowa State Fair.
