About Winterset

Winterset is the county seat of Madison County.  The population was 5,353 at the time of the 2020 census.

Winterset was platted in the summer of 1849, and the town was originally to be name "Summerset," but the unseasonable coldness made the commissioners reverse this and named the town "Winterset"

The City resides at the intersection of US Highway 169  and Iowa Highway 92, while Interstate 80 and Interstate 35 are located within a 15 minute drive.  If you need to travel via air, the Winterset Municipal Airport is located north of the City.  As of 2022 The City has also adopted a City of Winterset Comprehensive Plan and a Master Parks, Recreation and Trails Plan to help guide the City.

Winterset is widely known for its covered bridges.  A total of six covered bridges are located in Madison County, including one in Historic Winterset City Park.