From an airplane, Iowa looks like a tapestry of cornfields and flat land. From the ground, the state's beauty is much more complex.
Bluffs along the Mississippi River provide striking views of America's second-longest river as it carves Iowa's eastern border. Built structures afford tourists an elevated view of the scenic Des Moines River.
And covered bridges from a bygone era embrace a romantic view of Iowa, inspiring a bestselling novel, a Hollywood movie and a Broadway show that launched its touring production in Iowa.
As part of a USA TODAY network's "Most treasured views in America" project, the Register is showcasing three of Iowa's breathtaking — and sometimes underappreciated — visual landmarks. Let us show you what makes each such a special place.
Bridges of Madison County
What makes the Bridges of Madison County special?
Ever since Charles City native Robert James Waller published his 1992 novel “The Bridges of Madison County,” the nation has been enthralled by the romantic bridges outside Winterset, Iowa, that formed the book's backdrop.
A tenderly romantic movie with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood debuted in 1995, and the bridges became almost a character in the story. But the bridges, six in all, came about long before Waller's romantic tale.
The Roseman and Holliwell bridges made appearances in the film.
Things to do at the Bridges of Madison County
Visitors can walk over all the bridges. Start in Winterset at the Winterset City Park at 300 S. Ninth St. to fan out around the countryside and see all six bridges. Find maps of the bridge locations at the Chamber of Commerce website.
Visit the Madison County Tourism Welcome Center at 202 E. Main St. in St. Charles for physical map copies. Scenic route signs around Winterset also point to each of the bridges.
Do you have to pay to see the Bridges of Madison County?
There are no charges to visit any of the six covered bridges.
What is the closest city to the Bridges of Madison County?
Winterset, Iowa, and St. Charles, Iowa
Fast facts on the Bridges of Madison County
High Trestle Trail Bridge
What makes the High Trestle Trail Bridge special?
The High Trestle Trail Bridge is the visual centerpiece of the 25-mile High Trestle Trail that connects five communities and four counties in central Iowa.
The 13-story, half-mile-long former railroad bridge spans the Des Moines River Valley, offering scenic views and a unique, kaleidoscopic perspective.
While cyclists and pedestrians can walk anywhere along the 25-mile trail that spans from Ankeny to Woodward, the bridge, between Woodward and Madrid, is the focal point.
By night, blue lights envelop the cascading square decorations on the bridge. Polk County Conservation noted that High Trestle is the fifth-largest trail bridge in the world.
Things to do at the High Trestle Trail Bridge
Getting there: Getting to the High Trestle Trail Bridge is part of the adventure. One option is to start from the Woodward trailhead at 99 N. Main St. west of the High Trestle Trail Bridge for a 2.6-mile walk or bike ride to the High Trestle Trail Bridge. In Madrid, park at 346-398 W. Third St. for a similar walk or bike ride to the bridge from the east.
For a more rustic hike that is closer to the bridge, park at Grant’s Woods Conservation Trail lot at 2335 Qf Lane in Madrid. From there, the walk is about nine-tenths of a mile.
Overlooks: This former United Pacific rail line was converted into a bike and walking trail in 2008. The bridge spans a half-mile across the Des Moines River, with six lookout spots featuring interpretive panels.
East Side Overlook: An overlook on the east side offers views of the entire bridge.
West Side Overlook: There's also a lookout spot on the west side.
Illusion of Gliding: Steel beams are shaped and positioned to create an illusion of gliding movement when viewed from below.
Glowing lights: At night, the beams are illuminated with blue lights on cascading squares that form the upper portion of the bridge.
Do you have to pay to see the High Trestle Trail Bridge?
No. Viewing and walking on the High Trestle Trail Bridge is free.
What are the closest cities to the High Trestle Trail Bridge?
Madrid, Iowa and Woodward.
Details on the High Trestle Trail Bridge
Effigy Mounds National Monument
What makes Effigy Mounds National Monument special?
The national monument features more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by pre-Columbian Mound Builder cultures in the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
The picturesque views showcase the beauty of the river from the adjoining bluffs. Many of the effigies are shaped like animals, including bears and birds, and are accessible via trails of varying difficulty.
Things to do at Effigy Mounds National Monument
Start at the visitor center: Drop by this building at the opening of the park for a map of hiking trails and a brochure about the Effigy Mounds. Temporary exhibits and a museum offer background on the origins of the mounds and the region, part of the Driftless Area of Iowa.
Pick a trail: The only way to see the Effigy Mounds is on foot. Check the hiking trails map to choose a short walk with accessible trails or a more strenuous trek on steep hills. No automobile tours are available.
Choose from the North Unit or South Unit: Trails to the north of the visitor center are all surfaced with dirt, gravel, wood chips, and leaves, except the one-mile Yellow River Boardwalk, a 30-minute round trip through marshes and the Yellow River. Hanging Rock, the most challenging hike at the park, navigates seven miles with a visit to a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River Valley.
South Unit hiking trails include the one-mile Founders Pond Overlook for a look at the interior valley of the Yellow River and the Marching Bear Group four-mile hike for an up close look at 10 bear-shaped and three bird-shaped effigy mounds.
Do you have to pay to see Effigy Mounds National Monument?
The National Monument has no entrance fee and is free to visit. There are no charges for the visitor center, museum, trails or ranger-guided programs.
What is the closest city to Effigy Mounds National Monument?
Harpers Ferry.
Details on Effigy Mounds National Monument