The bridge was originally built over the North River near Bevington before its relocation.
The structure stands as one of the few remaining covered bridges in Madison County, which was once home to nineteen such structures.
The bridge was moved to Winterset City Park specifically to prevent its destruction during road construction projects.
The Town lattice truss design was chosen for its durability and relatively simple construction requirements compared to stone or metal arches of the era.
The bridge is a registered historic site, preserved to maintain the structural integrity of 19th-century Iowa transit routes.
The Historic Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge is a 79-foot-long Town lattice truss bridge originally constructed in 1871. It was relocated to its current site in Winterset City Park in 1970 to preserve it from demolition. The bridge utilizes a design patented by Ithiel Town in 1820, which relies on diagonal wooden lattice members fastened with wooden trunnels. It is one of the iconic landmarks featured in the literary and cinematic works associated with Madison County. The structure is open to foot traffic, allowing visitors to walk through the interior timber spans. It serves as a prominent example of 19th-century civil engineering in rural Iowa.
Position yourself at the bridge entrance at a low angle to capture the full length of the internal lattice work.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Winterset City Park to see additional natural features.
Check the wooden flooring for gaps, as the historic planks can be uneven.
Visit during daylight hours as there is no artificial interior lighting.
Do not attempt to drive through the bridge, as it is strictly for pedestrian access.
Accessible year-round, though park roads may be seasonally restricted during heavy snow.
Do not carve into the wood or leave graffiti; remain on designated pedestrian paths.
