RAGBRAI passes through famous Iowa film towns: Greenfield and Winterset

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This year’s RAGBRAI route may not be the Walk of Fame, but it will have a Hollywood twist, albeit in an Iowa style.

Cyclists will ride through Greenfield and Winterset, both locations where major Hollywood movies have been filmed. And as if those cinematic connections weren’t enough, the route also passes through the hometown of one of Tinseltown’s biggest stars.

Greenfield became the fictional town of Eagle Rock for the release of “Cold Turkey” in 1971. Written, directed and produced by the legendary Norman Lear, this madcap star-studded comedy featured Dick Van Dyke, Bob Newhart, Jean Stapleton and a cast of other notable stars of the era.

More: The Iowa-set film ‘Cold Turkey’ launched Norman Lear’s star before ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Maude’

During a ride through the town square in Greenfield on Tuesday, cyclists can check out the Norman Lear Theater at the Warren Cultural Center, a tribute to the famed director/producer who would go on to create such classic television series as “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” and “Maude.”

It was “Cold Turkey” that marked the beginning of Lear’s long and successful career. Many of the film’s extras were Greenfield residents.

Tuesday’s overnight town, Winterset, would become the setting 24 years later for “Bridges of Madison County,” starring Hollywood legends Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. The film was based on the hugely successful book by Iowan Robert James Waller.

Two of the covered bridges featured in the popular film are on this year’s RAGBRAI route.

The Hollywood flavor is completed by none other than The Duke himself, John Wayne. Winterset is the birthplace of the famous actor, born Marion Morrison, and features the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum.

More: ‘The Duke’ John Wayne was from Iowa. Where was the legendary Hollywood actor born?

On Day 6, Friday, participants can become their own stars by recreating one of the world’s most famous and recognizable works of art as the ride passes through Eldon.

Eldon shows the Carpenter Gothic house made famous by artist Grant Wood in the world-famous 1930 painting “American Gothic.” It shows a farmer in overalls, pitchfork in hand, standing next to his equally stoic daughter.

The historic structure offers cyclists the opportunity to create their own version of “American Gothic” as they ride through it.

More: You can visit the Iowa house that inspired Grant Wood to paint his famous ‘American Gothic’

Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected].

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