Cedar Bridge, Winterset

Cedar Bridge refers to two different bridges. The original Cedar Covered Bridge was built in 1883, moved in 1921, and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The bridge was filmed in the 1995 movie The Bridges of Madison County, and destroyed by arson in 2002. The current covered Cedar Bridge was built in 2004.The original Cedar Covered BridgeCedar Covered Bridge was built in 1883 by Benton Jones at a location north of Winterset over Cedar Creek where is now crossed by U.S. 169. It was long. The bridge was moved in 1921 to the current location over Cedar Creek. A picture of this bridge is on the cover of the novel The Bridges of Madison County. It was renovated in 1998. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.This bridge was destroyed by arson on September 3, 2002. It was taken off the National Register of Historic Places on October 18, 2002.New Cedar Covered BridgeA replacement bridge was built to the same plans and specifications as the original and using authentic materials and techniques. It reopened during October, 2004. On April 15, 2017, the new bridge was again destroyed by fire. As of April 19, 2017, Joel Davis, 18, of Norwalk, and Alexander Hoff, 17, of West Des Moines were both arrested and charged with first-degree arson. The 17-year-old will be tried as an adult. Add Cedar Bridge to your Winterset travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Winterset route planner.