VACATION AND TRAVEL
have watched the movie. I stopped here and it was a nice stop for me and my brother, where we treated it like a rest stop.
Now, this next attraction is only minutes away in the same city from the John Wayne House & Museum. That would be from the Hollywood movie, The Bridges of Madison County. Visit the 6 world-famous covered bridges, the inspiration behind and setting of "The Bridges of Madison County" movie; Guided tours available through the Chamber. Hours listed are for the Welcome Center only. The six covered bridges are open year-round, 24/7 and there is no fee to visit. Please be respectful of these historic landmarks and their neighbors.
Now, maps are available on the Chamber's website or at the Welcome Center. We were here on two visits and
This next attraction near Des Moines was visited by me and my brother on 2 different visits. That would be the city of Winterset for a few major attractions. The first one is The Birthplace of John Wayne. You can even visit the home where John Wayne lived for the earliest years of his life, which we did with an interior guided tour. Winterset, Iowa, is the humble town the star born Marion Robert Morrison first called home. Born on May 26, 1907, it is only 45 minutes outside of Des Moines. This can be done as a day trip since it is so close to Des
Moines.
Now, down the street from John Wayne’s house is the newly built John Wayne Birthplace Museum, which we have visited and really enjoyed our stop here. The museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the actor’s life and career. The facility also includes a movie theater. Relax in comfortable seats (originally from Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood) and watch a documentary on John Wayne’s phenomenal film career. Be sure to explore the gift shop’s wide assortment of John Wayne merchandise perfect for souvenirs or great new items to add to your collection.