Winterset Day: A stone's throw from The Jeffreys

Let's say you’re checked in at The Jeffreys Hotel Extended Stay in Osceola. ;) The coffee’s set, and you’re ready to explore. Winterset sits about 25 minutes from Osceola, which makes it an easy first adventure when you’re in town for a week or more. The draw is simple … covered bridges, a walkable square, and small-town places that feel like they’ve been waiting for you.

Morning bridge loop

Roseman Bridge. It’s the moody one, tucked in the trees with quiet views in every direction. Bring a camera. You’ll get a classic frame with the creek and the red siding.

Hogback Bridge. Wide sky, open fields, and a quick pull-off for photos. You can be on and off the bridge in minutes, which keeps the loop moving.

Cutler-Donahoe Bridge. Close to town and an easy add if you want one more stop before lunch. It’s smaller, which makes it good for a quick family photo.

Tip: Two bridges is plenty if you want a relaxed day. Three if you’re feeling more ambitious.

Courthouse Square stroll

Park once and walk the square. Historic storefronts, tidy sidewalks, and a courthouse that anchors the view. You’ll find small shops for gifts, a few galleries, and places to sit with a coffee while you watch the day go by.

John Wayne Birthplace & Museum. If you grew up on classic Westerns, this one hits the nostalgia button. Props, photos, and a timeline that shows how a kid from Winterset became a movie icon. Even if you’re not a superfan, it’s a tidy, well-run museum that pairs nicely with a square stroll.

Lunch/snack ideas that fit a low-key day

Pammel Park Coffee Co. Chill coffee roaster near Pammel State Park in Winterset with some of the best coffee Iowa has to offer. Sip on some tasty brews and buy some beans, then explore one of the original state parks in the state of Iowa with some of the oldest trees in the state. The park is noted for its natural woodland beauty highlighted by its signature limestone ridge known as the “backbone”...

If coffee on the square is more your style, check out Petite Cafe for a coffee or a tasty cinnamon roll. They're the kind of place where you can sit, breathe, and feel like part of town for an hour.

Montross Pharmacy soda fountain. Short menu, friendly faces, and a throwback vibe. Perfect for a light lunch and a shake if you’re keeping the day easy. If you want dessert, keep it simple. Grab a cookie from a Petite Cafe on the square and head back out to the bridges for one more photo.

Optional add-ons if you’ve got extra time

Rusty Stars Alpacas! Go on a hike with a real live Alpaca! A local farm near Winterset offers guided walks with alpacas. It’s calm, funny, and a hit with kids. Call ahead, since sessions fill fast.

Howell’s Pumpkin Patch in Cumming (seasonal). Pet the goats, wander the fields, and let everyone burn off some energy. It’s a quick detour if you’re visiting in early fall.

If you’re here in October, the Covered Bridge Festival fills Winterset with music, craft vendors, and parade fun. If you’re here in late spring, the John Wayne Birthday Celebration brings fans and special programs. Check dates before you go so you can time the trip just right.

A few practical notes:

• Start from your room at The Jeffreys after breakfast and you’ll be in Winterset in about 30 minutes.
• Bridges are on gravel. Drive slow, watch for photos, and be kind to locals on the road.
• Restrooms are easiest around the square. Top off water and snacks there.
• Two bridges, lunch, and a square stroll is a full half day. Add an alpaca walk or Howell’s if you’ve got extra time.

Why this day works

It keeps the driving short and the moments easy. A couple bridges, a square walk, a museum, and a lunch you’ll remember. You’ll be back in Osceola with energy left for the evening, and you’ll feel like you’ve already started to know the area.