Historic Imes Covered Bridge — Attraction in Saint Charles

The fabled bridges of Madison County, six in number, are largely inaccessible for those unwilling or unable to drive on gravel. One of the two exceptions is the Imes Covered Bridge, a 110 foot long town lattice truss design constructed in 1870 to bridge the Middle River by a carpenter named J.P. Clark. It has been moved twice-- the second time to its current location two miles to the west of Interstate 35, on the outskirts of St. Charles. There is a parking lot on site, and a paved bike path connects the bridge to a nearby tourist information center. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The best time of year to visit is fall foliage-- and Iowa does have a fall foliage website. We chose to visit in the dead of winter, in the hope that there would be snow on the ground to give the bridge a different look. The bridges are well...

The Imes Covered Bridge is like family, our treasure long before it became a National Treasure. Until 1977, when I was 17, it spanned the creek that ran through the edge of Grandma's farm. Every day, while visiting Grandma, my siblings and I would walk the 1/4 mile to visit "our bridge", and we make a point to visit it in its new location every time we go to St Charles to visit the Cemetery where family is buried. While we were heartbroken when it was decided to move "our bridge", we knew it was to preserve it (my uncle farmed both sides of the creek, and it was feared his heavy machinery would damage...

Absolutely loved seeing one of the Bridges of Madison County. Loved the Movie with these historical gems playing a scenic role. I just had to take advantage of opportunity to stop and see while on road trip to take youngest up to college. I'm from Texas and honestly this was the furthest North I'd ever traveled (this direction that is) 😊♥️ plus who want to be standing where Clint or Meryl may have stood. Lol I'd recommend taking a lil drive off main road to view and marvel at age and construction of this...