While we are located in the heart of Madison County in the town of Winterset, Madison County Realty serves all of the people and communities throughout and adjacent to Madison County. Residents of our county are located just a short 20 to 50 minute drive from Des Moines, Iowa, the capital city. Easily accessible from I-80 and I-35, Des Moines is a short commute for those who desire the small town lifestyle. Check out information on the communities in our county, which draws tourists annually because of an actor, a festival, and a book/movie. Additionally, we have limestone bluffs and rolling hills that add character to our landscape, along with fertile fields and farms, gentle streams and wildlife.

The Communities

There are over 15,000 residents in the county, many of whom reside in the towns of Winterset, Truro, Earlham, St. Charles, Patterson, Macksburg, East Peru, and Bevington. At Madison County Realty, we list homes for sale and help buyers find a home, list and sell land, farms, and developments, as well as provide auction services. Allow us to assist you with a relocation to one our fine communities.

Our Schools

Families throughout the county are served by three school districts:

Winterset School District
Earlham School District
I-35 School District

Business & Economic Development

Madison County Development Group
Madison County Chamber of Commerce

The Covered Bridges

The Bridges of Madison County, a novel written by Robert James Waller, and also made into a movie starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, was set here. And, annually, thousands trek to see our beautiful covered bridges, many of whom come during the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival.

Museums, Attractions & More

Born Marion Robert Morrison in the early 1900s in a modest home in Winterset, our native son went on to become the renowned actor John Wayne, starring in many feature films. The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum is located just off the historic Winterset town square.

Winterset is also the home of the Iowa Quilt Museum, conveniently located near two quilt shops, the classic Ben Franklin and Piece Works Quilt Shop, as well as the Madison County Historical Museum.

Other amenities and attractions include:

For more detailed information on Madison County’s History and many more local links, please visit Madison County Iowa.