clark tower

I am not originally from the area... but Winterset in itself, offers more than any small town ever will. This tower, forgotten by time and the fields of trees surrounding it are a clean departure from what all this small town has to offer. If you want a breath taking view of Madison County that never made it into the film, well here is your chance. On your trek to this gem nestled in the woods you will rediscover nature as well as how hilly Iowa can be despite common myths of being a flat state. The tower is not huge, but is poignant. I would caution any parent to truly watch their kids as they climb up into the tower. The stones are smooth everywhere and can serve up a serious accident if not more. This building captures the artistry that existed as Winterset was initially being discovered. So go on a trek and go back in time and see Madison County's most original sculpture! Ive drawn this seven times and most who buy the drawing(s) cannot wait to see it in person. Well worth the hike and experience!!

I went to City Park to photograph one of the covered bridges and stumbled into a sign for Clark Tower which I followed. You can drive all the way to the top, it’s a narrow road but paved. You can also walk, but it’s a very long and steep road, a bit boring, even with the current smell of fall around. The tower honors the first family who settled in Winterset. No admission.

The wife and I walked to the tower from City Park along the gravel and deep-wooded road up there but once you reach the top of the tower after climbing the stairs and ladder it is a fabulous view of the surrounding area. Even though the road was windy and steep going up to the tower it was worth it.

Fell on this while driving thru the city park and it was the prettiest drive., very scenic and would recommend it! Road is gravel and steep and windy, but it is worth seeing!

We've been going to the Covered Bridge Festival in Winterset for 18 years. Winterset city park is beautiful deep forests with rolling hills. Clark Tower is at the south end of the park. Be sure to climb the stairs and the ladder to the top beautiful view for miles! Especially in the Fall!

We walked from City Park to the tower—there's some decent grades for a nice little workout. And the scenery is lovely--deep woods all the way. The view from the tower is great.

It is a cute little tower something different to see,the kids love it quiet and relaxing. As your driving around to the bridges and John Waynes house you might as well visit the Tower.

It is a beautiful structure and the colors all highlight the beauty of it. Maintained. Across from it, head over for lunch at North Side Cafe:) Wholesome food. Delicious desserts

Our young girls loved climbing this and having pictures there. It seems like you are never going to get to it, its out in the middle of woods but worth the drive to see it.

Not for the faint of heart. The road to the tower is gravel and very narrow, one lane with twists and turns. I thought it was great to drive, but I am used to driving on this type of road. The view from the top is wonderful. It is worth the climb to the top of the tower. Although, the picture at the top of the this page is all that there is, it is worth the time to drive up there.

Map was misleading. It looked like it was an easy drive in the park and turned out to be a one-lane trail through the trees. The view consisted mostly of tops of trees and some places cleared for houses.

Worth the drive on the gravel road to get to the scenic tower. Climb to the very top for best views of the surrounding countryside. Nice short stop to climb and stretch your legs. There is a trail nearby.

Again, my wife wanted to see this thing. It's on a side road at the Winterset City Park, where one of the Covered Bridges was moved to some years ago. So we went on the 10mph trail that seemed to go for miles and found this tower thing in the middle of the woods. It's not on a particularly high spot and with the trees, has little use for a spotting tower. You can climb an outside spiral staircase to the 2nd level and look out windows. Or not. As you can tell, I'm not that impressed. I would not make a special trip to see this. Nor would I visit it a 2nd time.

My brother in law took us up to the tower which we had never heard of. The drive back there was very nice on a narrow road. The view is great. The only potential problem is coming down the ladder so be careful.

Winterset is the county seat for Madison County. Town Square surrounds the county court house. Angle parking is free. Located in town park the tower affords a view of the corn fields that surround the area. When a young man is referred to as cornfed this is the part of the world we are talking about. People here will say hello and wave back to you on the street. Visit Fareway Groceries just north of town.