Page Contents for Winterset, Iowa

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Libraries.

Schools.

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Statistics & Facts

The Iowa state capital is Des Moines.
The population of Winterset is approximately 4,196 (1990), 5190 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 1,806 (1990), 2062 (2010).
The amount of land area in Winterset is 8.038 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Winterset to Washington DC is 948 miles.
The distance to the Iowa state capital is 26 miles. (as the crow flies)
Winterset is positioned 41.33 degrees north of the equator and 94.01 degrees west of the prime meridian.

Location

in south-central Iowa.
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History & History Related Items

Established in 1849, Winterset was nearly called Independence, but several other towns in Iowa had that name and there was a worry that mix-ups would occur between towns of the same name. The next name of consequence suggested was Summerset. "A man named Bill Combs, who had been dozing on a bench under the influence of what was known as sod corn blundered out, " I think ye had a derned sight better call her Winterset!" At first everyone laughed, but soon someone declared that would be a good name. Combs was the first to object to his own suggestion. He thought that the name would give people the idea that the climate was very cold. Winterset is believed to be the only town of that name in the world. " (item in quotes taken from the history of Winterset)
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Attractions

Bridges of Madison County
Meet someone you love at the Bridges of Madison County. Always romantic. Even before Iowa novelist Robert Waller and Hollywood romanticized them. The six historic covered bridges, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, are scattered across the countryside.

Francesca's House
3271 130th St.
515-981-5268
10-6, May 1-Oct. 31; or by appointment.
The Victorian farmhouse used for the filming of "The Bridges of Madison County."

Madison County Historical Complex
815 S. Second Ave.
515-462-2134
11-4 Mon.-Sat., 1-5 Sun., May 1-Oct. 31.

The Roseman Covered Bridge
This famous bridge tells "stories of love" from the movie, "The Bridges of Madison County.
Phone: 515-462-1185

"Noted Notables"

John Wayne born as Michael Marion Morrison.
Visit the "Duke's" birthplace
224 John Wayne Drive
Phone: 515-462-1044
10-5 daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/
another website about this birthplace with pictures - http://www.bergen.com/roadtrip/16.htm
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Winterset City Government

Winterset City Hall
101 E. Jefferson St.
Winterset, Iowa 50273-1534
Phone: 515-462-1422

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COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Madison County Clerk
PO Box 152
Winterset, IA 50273-0152
Phone: 515-462-4451

Winterset Chamber

Chamber of Commerce
73 E. Jefferson St.
Winterset, Iowa 50273 Phone: (515) 515-462-1185

Winterset Organizations

Chamber of Commerce
73 E. Jefferson St.
Winterset, Iowa 50273 Phone: (515) 515-462-1185

Winterset Libraries

Winterset Public Library
124 W. Court Ave
Winterset, Iowa 50273-1545
Phone: 515-462-1731 Winterset Public Library
123 North 2nd Street
Winterset, IA 50273
Phone: 515-462-1731
Email
Hours: Mon. thru Thurs 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fri & Sat 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
librarian: Helen E. Sellers (2-2002)
Special Collections:
John Wayne videos
Antique books
Quilting books
Madison Co. Genealogical Society meets here the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Winterset Schools

Winterset Community School District
302 W. South St.
Winterset, Iowa 50273-1824
Phone: 515-462-2718

Winterset Senior High School
624 Husky Dr.
Winterset, Iowa 50273-2268
Phone: 515-462-3320