It is the oldest of the six remaining covered bridges in Madison County.
The bridge was originally built over the Middle River near Patterson, Iowa.
It was dismantled and relocated to its present site in St. Charles in 1977 to prevent its demolition.
The interior is signed by hundreds of visitors, a practice that has continued for decades despite preservation efforts.
The bridge utilizes a Town lattice truss system, a design patented in 1820 that uses planks instead of heavy timber.
The Imes Covered Bridge is the oldest remaining covered bridge in Madison County, Iowa, originally constructed in 1870. The structure features a town lattice truss design and spans 81 feet in length. It was moved to its current location in Covered Bridge Park in St. Charles in 1977 after serving its original purpose over the Middle River. The bridge is part of the historic collection famously featured in the novel and film The Bridges of Madison County. It remains open to pedestrian traffic, allowing visitors to inspect the interior timber construction. The structure underwent extensive restoration efforts in the 1990s to maintain its structural integrity.
From the bank of the creek at the northeast corner of the bridge to capture the full profile of the structure.
Bring bug spray if visiting during humid summer months, as the area near the water can have mosquitoes.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the surrounding park paths are unpaved in some sections.
Visit during the early morning to capture the best light through the bridge's side openings.
Do not attempt to drive a motor vehicle across the bridge, as it is strictly for pedestrian use.
Do not carve into the wood or add new graffiti to the interior surfaces.
