Where was The Bridges of Madison County filmed?

One captivating scene involves Francesca's adult children, Michael (Victor Slezak) and Carolyn (Annie Corley). After their mother's passing, they discover a safe deposit box containing photographs, letters, and a key. As they delve into Francesca's notebooks, they unravel their mother's secret romance with National Geographic photojournalist Robert Kincaid.

Pammel State Park, nestled in the southwest of Winterset, serves as the backdrop where Francesca's children immerse themselves in the pages of her diaries. This park offers many outdoor activities for visitors to relish, ranging from invigorating hikes and tranquil paddling to rewarding fishing excursions and idyllic camping experiences. Notably, the park boasts a distinctive highlight—an awe-inspiring tunnel carved through a ridge, proudly standing as Iowa's sole highway tunnel.

If you plan to visit Pammel State Park, you'll need to travel south from Winterset, Iowa. For those coming from Des Moines, take the I-80 W and US-169 S for a picturesque 50-minute drive. Upon arrival, you can explore the very spot where Francesca's children, Michael and Carolyn, unearthed their mother's secret history.

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Francesca chooses to remain home while her husband and teenage children attend the state fair for the next four days. Fans can recall the poignant scene where Francesca and Robert develop a profound love for each other and contemplate eloping.

This memorable scene was captured at Francesca's house, located at 3271 130th Street in Cumming. Following the film's success, the owners of this charming farmhouse opened the house for tours. However, this abruptly stopped in 2003 when arsonists destroyed part of the house. The fire resulted in the cessation of tours, and the house was never restored. Despite the damage, viewing the house from the road is still possible.

To reach this destination, head towards Cumming in Iowa. It's just a 30-minute drive from Des Moines by car or a 20-minute drive from Winterset via Cumming Road. Once you arrive, you won't miss the house; it's easily noticeable.

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Robert arrives at the Johnson farm searching for directions to Roseman Bridge. Francesca decides to guide him to the location personally, and this simple act of kindness marks the beginning of their poignant love story.

The scene was filmed at the historic Roseman Covered Bridge in Winterset, Iowa. Built in 1883 over the Middle River, the bridge was renovated in 1992 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Roseman Covered Bridge retains its original charm and looks identical to how it appeared in the movie, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for fans visiting the site.

Interestingly, the Roseman Covered Bridge has a backstory that predates its appearance in the film. Two posses cornered a prisoner who had escaped the county jail at the bridge. Legend has it that the cornered man levitated and rose through the bridge's roof, screaming as he vanished and never reappeared. The local community, awestruck by this inexplicable event, decided that anyone capable of such a feat was likely innocent. The bridge is believed to be haunted by the spirit of the escapee to this day.

To visit this iconic location, you can head to Winterset, Iowa. The town is approximately 49 miles southwest of Des Moines, and the bridge is located southwest of Winterset in Madison County. It's easily accessible via car, and once you arrive, you'll find a parking area nearby.

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There is a particularly iconic scene that fans may remember vividly. This scene occurs at the Holliwell Bridge, where Robert captures his first photograph of Francesca. The red-colored bridge in the background and the serene atmosphere beautifully frame this tender moment between the two characters.

The Holliwell Bridge, located southeast of Winterset over the Middle River, is where the pair reunites following their visit to town. As the longest of the Bridges of Madison County at 122 feet, Holliwell Bridge has remained in its original location since 1880. In the film, the camera angle makes the bridge appear like it's about to consume the approaching road, creating a visually striking image. Remarkably, the bridge looks the same today as in the movie, providing fans with a tangible connection to this beloved film.

Visiting the Holliwell Bridge is a straightforward journey for those interested in experiencing this iconic filming location firsthand. The bridge is located in Madison County, with the largest town in the county being Winterset. To reach the Holliwell Bridge, you would head southeast from Winterset. The address is 1960 Holliwell Bridge Road.

Production Spaces Guide

One key scene occurs in a cafe where Robert meets Lucy Redfield, portrayed by Michelle Benes. Lucy is a local woman with a reputation for having an affair with a married man.

This scene was filmed at the Historic Northside Cafe in Winterset. The cafe, established in a historic building built by Eli Cox in 1876, is located on the northern side of the town square in Winterset, opposite the Madison County Courthouse. The Northside Cafe was renowned for its traditional American home-style meals in an old-fashioned setting featuring a lengthy counter and snug booths. Unfortunately, this cafe has now permanently shut its doors.

Despite its closure, film fans can still appreciate the exterior of the building, which remains unchanged from its appearance in the movie. An interesting tidbit is that Robert James Waller wrote part of his novel, which the film is based on, within the walls of this very cafe.

To get to this location, set your course for Winterset in Iowa. Upon entering the town, navigate towards the north side of the town square. It's important to note that from Des Moines, a personal vehicle is the only available mode of transport to this site.

This is an unforgettable scene that leaves a lasting impression on viewers as Robert and Francesca share their last moments together. It's a rainy day, and Francesca sits in her car while Robert stands by his vehicle, watching her. He contemplates approaching her to talk, but he remains by her car, silently observing her. Her smile breaks through the tension, to which he responds with a smile of his own before returning to his vehicle.

This poignant scene was filmed at the W Green Street and John Wayne Drive intersection in Winterset. With time, the street has transformed, with new stores now occupying the space. However, die-hard fans of the film will still be able to recognize the location and soak in the atmosphere that once served as the backdrop for this iconic moment between Francesca and Robert.

To reach this location, you need to head towards Winterset in Iowa, where you’ll find this intersection right in the heart of town. The only available option from Des Moines is a private car, and the trip will take around 40 minutes.