EV Road Trip to Winterset: Visiting the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Iowa
An EV Road Trip Detour Worth Taking
If your electric‑vehicle road trip takes you across Iowa, there’s a uniquely American landmark just a short detour off Interstate 80 that’s well worth the stop: the John Wayne Birthplace Museum located in Winterset, Iowa.
We visited during the summer of 2025; the combination of easy charging, scenic driving, and the collection of movie memorabilia made it one of the standout cultural stops on our trip.
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Charging Up in Waukee, Iowa
Electrify America Station, Waukee, Iowa
While driving west along I‑80, we pulled off at Mile Marker 118 for a quick charge at the Electrify America station located at the Maverik gas station in Waukee, Iowa.
Typical of all our Electrify America experiences, the chargers were reliable, easy to access, and allowed a facilities break while fueling the EV6.
Continue west approximately 30 miles to US Highway 169, turn south and enjoy the scenic drive into the seat of Madison County.
The route rolls through farmland, gentle hills, and open skies — classic Iowa landscape that’s relaxing at any time of year.
Amp’d Advice: When we visited over the summer of 2025 there were not charging stations in Winterset, Iowa. Charging at Waukee, Iowa will provide plenty of range to explore Winterset and the surrounding area.
Inside the John Wayne Birthplace Museum
The museum surprised me with its size and quality; I was not expecting this size and quantity in rural Iowa.
It’s modern, thoughtfully curated, and designed to walk visitors through the life and legacy of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures.
A 1985 Andy Warhol Screen Print of the Actor Johne Wayne
Our visit began with a short documentary about John Wayne’s early life and acting career.
It focuses primarily on his evolution as an on‑screen presence — how a young Marian Robert Morrison from Iowa grew into “The Duke,” the face of classic American Westerns.
For film fans, it’s a fascinating snapshot of Hollywood history.
Amp’d Advice: Be prepared to purchase entry tickets
Scour the gift shop for free
Buy a ticket to explore the museum (do it, totally worth the money)
Posters, Props, and a Glimpse Into the Man Behind the Legend
One of the most memorable spaces is the gallery of original movie posters.
Lining the walls in chronological order, they create a visual timeline of Wayne’s decades-long presence in cinema.
The artwork alone — bold colors, sweeping fonts, dramatic poses — captures an era of filmmaking that relied on posters as a primary storytelling tool.
Movie Poster for the 1952 Movie, The Quiet Man
Beyond the posters, the museum showcases a broad collection of movie props, wardrobe pieces, and personal belongings.
A standout exhibit is John Wayne’s final custom-made automobile, a dark green 1972 Pontiac Station Wagon, polished and displayed as if it were ready for one last drive.
It’s a surprisingly personal moment in a museum filled with larger‑than‑life imagery.
Touring the House Where It All Started
Just outside the museum is the small, four‑room home where John Wayne was born in 1907.
Restored to reflect the period, the home offers a quiet, intimate glimpse of his earliest years.
Walking through the tiny rooms gives you a sense of contrast — the simplicity of his beginnings versus the sweeping landscapes and oversized characters he portrayed on film.
Marion Robert Morrison Childhood Home, Winterset, Iowa
Lunch on Winterset’s Historic Town Square
After the museum tour, we walked a few minutes to Winterset’s charming town square.
The historic courthouse anchors the center, and the surrounding blocks are filled with local shops, brick storefronts, and a relaxed small‑town feel.
We ate at Everything Sweet & More Café at 52 East Court Avenue.
It’s a comfortable, friendly spot with sandwiches, baked goods, and that unmistakable small‑town warmth.
It’s exactly the kind of café an EV traveler hopes to find—a good recharge for you while your car is still topped up from earlier.
Every EV trip starts with PlugShare to research destinations and charging options
Our mantra is simple: we design our route - never blindly following a GPS.
Once we pick a destination, I hop onto PlugShare to check which charging providers are available along the way. I read through the reviews for reliability, tips on the best pedestals, nearby amenities, and hard to find charger locations.
Meanwhile, Cheryl adds her own nostalgic twist by marking each station on a paper atlas, giving us a colorful, big‑picture snapshot of the journey.
Blending digital tools with old‑school mapping keeps planning quick, stress‑free, and just a little adventurous. Check out the full article to see how this combo keeps our road trips smooth and fun!
Birds Eye Review: An Enjoyable EV Drive to Experience an American Acting Legend
The John Wayne Birthplace Museum makes for an easy and rewarding EV detour off I‑80.
With convenient charging in West Des Moines, smooth rural roads, and a combination of history and local charm, Winterset fits naturally into a well‑planned electric road trip.
Mural Painting Located Across the Street from the Museum
And here’s the thing: the museum is just the beginning
The Winterset area is home to the Bridges of Madison County, the iconic covered bridges made famous by the bestselling novel and film.
Exploring those bridges feels like stepping into a storybook, and I’ll be sharing more about that experience in an upcoming SightSee EV article — so stay tuned.
An avid runner, John’s fascination with electric vehicles began the day he left a 1970s Citicar in the dust.
Since then, he’s worked to educate readers that EVs are simply cars powered by an alternative energy source.
His favorite way to experience it? Road-tripping along the Great American Electric Highway, where the miles turn into opportunities to visit family, reconnect with friends, and soak in the country’s scenic beauty.
When John isn’t writing about EV adventures, running in new places, or exploring new destinations, you’ll probably find him catching a well-earned nap before the next journey begins.
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