It started with a small sign along Interstate 80 in Iowa, about 30 minutes west of Des Moines..."Tourist Info Covered Bridges of Madison County Exit 110"

Our first thought, "wow, Madison County is this close to I-80?" Then, we figured most folks don't see photos of these bridges in the Winter, covered with snow, and since we are never ones to pass up a photographic opportunity, we made the quick and impulsive decision to go check out the Bridges of Madison County.

As we're merrily driving (and driving and driving...) South down highway 169, heading toward the town of Winterset, we're wondering just how close Madison County is to I-80. And, then, we see a sign telling us that the Hogback Covered Bridge is 3 miles away. Wheeee! We turn onto an unpaved snow-covered country road (very glad that we're in an SUV) and after a few minutes, we see the bridge!

The Hogback Bridge, one of five remaining covered bridges in Madison County (there were once 19) was built in 1884. It doesn't go anywhere now, so you can't drive through it, but you can drive up pretty close. It's 97 feet long and in its original location. The name comes from a limestone ridge at the west end of the valley. It's listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The bridges were originally covered to protect the flooring timbers - it was less expensive to replace the sides and roof than the floor.