26 Small American Towns With Secret Celebrity Connections

4. Winterset, Iowa: John Wayne's Western Legacy

Winterset, Iowa, might be a small dot on the map, but it holds a big place in the hearts of film enthusiasts as the birthplace of John Wayne, the quintessential American cowboy. Known for his rugged charm and iconic roles in Westerns, Wayne’s legacy is celebrated throughout Winterset, where his spirit of adventure and resilience continues to inspire. The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum offers a comprehensive look at his life and career, featuring memorabilia, film clips, and personal items that provide insight into the man behind the legend. Winterset’s annual John Wayne Birthday Celebration draws fans from far and wide, offering a weekend of festivities that include film screenings, tours, and cowboy-themed activities. The town’s connection to Wayne is more than just historical; it’s a testament to the values he embodied—courage, determination, and a love for the open frontier. In Winterset, John Wayne’s legacy is a living tribute to the enduring appeal of the American West and the larger-than-life characters who defined it.