[5] The name was originally to be "Summerset", but the unseasonable coldness made the commissioners reverse this to "Winterset".

[6] On March 5, 2022, a low-end EF4 tornado struck the areas just outside the city, killing six people.

[7][8] Winterset is located in central Madison County at the intersection of U.S. Route 169 and Iowa State Highway 92.

Middle River flows past the south side of the city.

[9] It is approximately 30 miles southwest of the state capital of Des Moines.

A total of six covered bridges are located in Madison County, including one in Winterset City Park.

[18] Another notable landmark is Clark Tower, located in Winterset City Park, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Middle River Valley area.

The Madison County Courthouse, in the middle of the town square, was built in 1868, and rebuilt in 1876 after being partially destroyed by fire.

ft. facility houses scripts, costumes, set pieces, posters, personal correspondence, an original Andy Warhol painting and a custom-made 1972 Pontiac station wagon.

The museum is divided into three exhibitions: "The Actor", "The Family Man", and "The American".

[19] The Iowa Quilt Museum offers seasonal exhibits and regular workshops.

The museum is located on the south side of the town square at 68 E. Court Ave.[20] The Madison County Historical Society is an 25-acre complex on the south side of town featuring a museum and 14 restored and historical buildings.

[22] Winterset was used as a shooting location for the films Cold Turkey (1971), The Bridges of Madison County (1995), and The Crazies (2010).