The bridge is famously linked to the legend of a ghost who allegedly escaped from a jail in Winterset and fled through the bridge in the 1890s.
It is one of only six original covered bridges remaining in Madison County.
The structure was moved from its original location twice before being permanently situated at its current site.
The Town lattice truss design was favored in the 19th century because it allowed builders to use smaller, readily available timber rather than massive, expensive beams.
The bridge is constructed entirely of wood, including the roof shingles and side siding.
The Historic Roseman Covered Bridge is a 107-foot-long structure built in 1883 over the Middle River in Madison County, Iowa. It gained international prominence as a primary filming location for the 1995 film adaptation of The Bridges of Madison County. The bridge uses a Town lattice truss design, which consists of a web of planks pinned together with wooden trunnels. It was bypassed by modern road traffic in 1981 following the construction of a new bridge nearby. The structure underwent extensive restoration in 1992 and again in 2004 to preserve its historic timber framing. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is maintained as a public park area within the Madison County conservation system.
From the riverbank on the north side of the bridge to capture both the structure and the reflection in the Middle River.
Bring insect repellent, as the surrounding wooded area along the Middle River is prone to mosquitoes.
Check the local Madison County Conservation website before visiting for any notices regarding seasonal road maintenance or storm damage repairs.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to walk the unpaved paths around the riverbank.
Do not attempt to drive a vehicle across the bridge, as it is strictly for pedestrian use and structurally off-limits to cars.
Access may be limited during winter months due to snow and ice on the gravel access roads.
Respect the structure by refraining from carving initials or graffiti into the historic timbers.
