MADISON COUNTY

Established in 1846, Madison County was named after our 4th president, James Madison and covers approximately 562 square miles. Best known for its covered bridges and the birth place of John Wayne, Madison County has a rich history whose popularity gained even more attention with the filming and release of “Bridges of Madison County” in 1995. However, this rural setting offers more than just a good movie scene.

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Madison County Conservation manages 17 county parks, marshes, woodlands and conservation areas. With walking trails, prairie remnants, primitive camping sites and campgrounds, as well as fishing, canoeing and paddle boarding, it’s a great place for anyone looking to spend more time out of doors.

Madison County unwittingly became my guinea pig, of this project. Organically revealing surprises and discoveries with every step, the first being its diversity of public areas, a quality I hope to highlight all along this journey. With guidance from Jessie with Madison County Conservation, my visits focused on three varied landscapes; county parks, woodlands and natural resource areas, featuring, Pammel State Park, Clanton Creek Natural Resource Area and Guye Woods.

Pammel State Park

Dedicated in 1928, Pammel is one of Iowa’s original state parks. Located just south of Winterset, it offers beautiful views and abundant amenities.

  • Picnic Grounds

  • Pammel Lodge

  • Backbone Shelter

  • Modern Bathrooms

  • Trails

  • Nature Center

  • 36 Sight Campground

  • Yurt Rentals

  • 5 Tent Sights

  • Middle Ford River

Clanton Creek Recreation Area

This 1115 acres is one of Madison Counties largest remaining remnants of landlocked wilderness. With pedestrian only, accessible interiors this pristine wilderness offers a great opportunity for those looking to get away and enjoy some truly natural landscapes.

  • 6-acre pond

  • Hiking Trails

  • Primitive Camping

  • Fishing

  • Public Hunting

  • 3 Parking Areas

Guye Woods

This truly wild wilderness is 93 acres of dense timber donated to the conservation board by the Guye family in 1985. Once you pass over North River on the 100’ cable suspension bridge any indication of human interaction disappears into a lush forest bottom, steadily inclining to the southern ridge that has been designated as the highest point in Madison County.

  • Public Hunting is allowed

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Madison County