Visit the John Wayne Birthplace and More in Winterset Iowa

The Duke and Skillet Throwing in Winterset Iowa

Winterset, Iowa 1907. In late May a new pilgrim was born into life in Iowa. He would become known as the Duke, the King of the cowboy's. Today, the birthplace and childhood home of John Wayne is the predominant claim to fame of the town of Winterset Iowa. Winterset is now home to about 4,000 residents located about 20 miles to the southwest of the state capital of Des Moines.

The John Wayne birthplace is located on South 2^nd Street in Winterset. For a small admission fee visitors to the Winterset area can see the front room and kitchen of the home where Wayne was born. These two rooms have been decorated and furnished to the era in which John Wayne was born. The remaining areas of the home hold extensive memorabilia of the Duke's life and movie career. The John Wayne Birthplace home is open every day of the year, except for New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. So wrangle up the kids, hitch up the wagon, and come on down. And don't forget to tip your hat to the ladies, pilgrim.

Located a few blocks from the John Wayne Birthplace is the Madison County Museum. The Madison County Museum features over 10 building including a mid 1800's mansion, the Bevington Mansion. The museum displays items of interest from the area including fossils, Native American / Indian items, and items from prairie life during the westward expansion. Farm displays include live animals. Log cabin school, general store, train depot, church, and post office are among the other buildings is on display. The Madison County Museum is open daily during the summer and by appointment during the rest of the year.

Though I must admit that I have never been to it, Winterset is home to a competition that should not be missed! The National Skillet-Throwing Contest is an event unlike most others. Competitors hurl skillets and target dummies. I tried to get my wife to go, but she was uninterested. She stated that she had her own dummy to hurl her skillets at. I might of been offended, but my head hurts too much. The National Skillet-Throwing Contest is held in June each year.