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Fort Madison, Iowa: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Old Fort Madison was built in 1808 and it was the first permanent settlement in Iowa. The Iowa State Penitentiary went up in 1839, and the guided tour of the facility runs you through the history of it. The Santa Fe Railway Depot dates to 1901 and it is a museum now. Kenny’s Roller Ranch keeps the rink, the basketball bank shot and the batting cages. Bring them.

Are you planning a trip to Fort Madison, Iowa? This city along the Mississippi River runs plenty of fun things to do for visitors of all ages. Historical landmarks through to outdoor adventures, family-friendly destinations through to art and culture, Fort Madison keeps a version of each.

If you came for the history, do not miss the city’s many historical landmarks, the Old Fort Madison and the 1839 Historic Iowa State Penitentiary among them. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of parks and trails to work, Riverview Park and Wilson Lake Park among them. And if you are traveling with kids, check out family-friendly destinations like the North Lee County Historical Society and the Santa Fe Depot Museum complex.

A slow vacation or a full run at it, Fort Madison keeps a version of each. Keep reading for the best things to do and places to visit in this Iowa city.

Key Takeaways

• Fort Madison, Iowa offers a variety of activities for visitors, including historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, family-friendly destinations, and more.
• Don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s many historical landmarks, including the Old Fort Madison and the 1839 Historic Iowa State Penitentiary.
• For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore, such as Riverview Park and Wilson Lake Park.

Historical Landmarks

If you came for the history, you are in the right city, because Fort Madison is full of historical landmarks that carry you back. These are the historical landmarks to see in Fort Madison:

Old Fort Madison

First on the list is the Old Fort Madison. This fort was built in 1808 and was the first permanent settlement in Iowa. It sits in a city park on the Mississippi river. You can take a self-guided tour of the fort and pick up the history of the area. Plus, the views of the river come with it.

North Lee County Historical Society

The North Lee County Historical Society is a good place to pick up Lee County history. They run a museum with exhibits on everything from Native American culture to 19th-century buildings. You will also find a genealogy library, where you can research your family history. The staff know the material and are friendly with it, and they are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Santa Fe Railway Depot

The Santa Fe Railway Depot is a building that was put up in 1901. It is now a museum that carries the history of the railway in Fort Madison. You can see exhibits on everything from the steam engine to the caboose. It is a good place to pick up the history of transportation in the area.

Iowa State Penitentiary

The Iowa State Penitentiary belongs on the list for anyone interested in the history of the criminal justice system. The penitentiary was built in 1839 and is one of the oldest prisons in the country. You can take a guided tour of the facility and pick up the history of the prison. It is a close look at how the prison system has changed over the years.

National Register

Finally, check out the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites and structures that are considered to be historically significant. In Fort Madison, you will find everything from the Lee County Courthouse to the Historic Nauvoo, which is a museum dedicated to Mormon culture. It is a good way to work through the history of the area.

In summary, Fort Madison is a good place to work through history. The Old Fort Madison through to the National Register of Historic Places, there is a version for each. So put on your historian hat and get ready to pick up the history of this city.

Outdoor Activities

When you are in Fort Madison, there are outdoor activities in number to fill the day. These are the best options for outdoor enthusiasts like you.

Great River Road National Scenic Byway

If you are up for a scenic drive, take a trip down the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. This 3,000-mile route follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, and it opens out on the river and the landscapes around it. As you drive along, keep an eye out for historic sites, small towns, and plenty of outdoor recreation.

Hiking Trails

If you prefer to get out and stretch your legs, Fort Madison runs plenty of hiking trails to choose from. The city is home to parks with paved trails, as well as rougher hiking trails for those who want a challenge. The best trails in the area include the Indian Path Nature Trail, the Rodeo Park Trail, and the Fort Madison Nature Trail.

Burlington Regional Recplex

For sports enthusiasts, the Burlington Regional Recplex belongs on the list. This state-of-the-art facility features an all-purpose field, baseball diamonds, sand volleyball courts, and more. A game of pickup basketball or a local league, the Recplex runs a version of each.

Golf Course

Finally, if you are looking for a slow way to spend an afternoon, head to the Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course. This 18-hole course opens out on the Mississippi River, and it runs challenging holes for golfers of all skill levels. A seasoned pro or a beginner, the course holds up either way.

A nature lover, a sports enthusiast, or somebody just looking for a fun way to spend the day, Fort Madison runs plenty of outdoor activities to fill it. Get out there and take all that this city has to offer.

Family Fun Destinations

Looking for some family fun in Fort Madison? You are in the right city. These are the best destinations for kids, and for the adults who came with them, in the area.

Kenny’s Roller Ranch

Get your roller skates on and head to Kenny’s Roller Ranch. This family fun center has been a staple in Fort Madison for years. They run a rollerskating rink, basketball bank shot, and even batting cages. If you are looking for something more active, they also run tumbling, dancing and gymnastic classes. And if you are looking to throw a party, they run party packages too.

Funcity

Located in the northwest section of the city is Funcity, an entertainment destination for the whole family. They run a miniature golf course, video games, and even an indoor zipline course. But that is not all, because they also run laser tag, a water ride and a theme park. With this many options, you will not run out of things to do.

Pizazz Fun City

Pizazz Fun City is the other option for family fun in Fort Madison. They run attractions across the range, a rollerskating rink, laser tag and a video arcade among them. But what sets them apart is their party packages, which run from basic packages to VIP experiences. If you are looking to mark a special occasion, Pizazz Fun City is where to be.

Theme Park

If you are looking for a full day of fun, head to the theme park. With water rides, roller coasters and more, there is a version for each. And if you need a break from the action, they also run plenty of food options and souvenir shops. It is where to spend a hot summer day with the family.

So there you have it, the best family fun destinations in Fort Madison. A rollerskating rink or a theme park, there is a version of each. So grab the kids and get ready for a day of it.

Art & Culture

Looking for some art and culture in Fort Madison? You are in the right city. These are the places to check out:

Artists of Main Street

Stroll down Main Street and you will find artists showing their work across the range. Modern pieces through to classic styles, you will find something that stops you. Take a look into the pottery studio to see the medium in action.

Art Museum

The North Lee County Historical Society is home to an art museum worth the time. Featuring works from local artists, as well as pieces from around the world, this museum belongs on the list for any art lover.

Art Gallery

If you are looking for a smaller art room, head to one of Fort Madison’s art galleries. With rotating exhibits featuring styles and mediums across the range, you will turn up something new.

Movie Theaters

Catch the latest blockbuster or indie flick at one of Fort Madison’s movie theaters. Need a break from all the art? Take in a comedy or drama and get some popcorn with it.

Jazz artists, blues and jazz artists, or just a good painting, Fort Madison keeps a version of each. So go ahead, get your culture fix and work through the art scene in Fort Madison.

You expect a small county museum, and the North Lee County Historical Society runs an art museum inside it. You expect a drive, and the Great River Road runs 3,000 miles from Minnesota to Louisiana. You expect a roller rink, and Kenny’s Roller Ranch runs the tumbling and the gymnastics too. You expect a fort, and Old Fort Madison sits in a city park on the Mississippi.

Food & Drink

If you are looking to eat and drink well in Fort Madison, you are in the right city. The place runs plenty of options to meet your cravings. These are the top places to check out:

Lost Duck Brewing

Lost Duck Brewing belongs on the list for any beer enthusiast. With a rotating selection of craft beers pouring, you will find something that lands for your taste buds. The brewery also runs a cozy room, which works for sitting back over a glass with friends.

Kelly O’Shea’s Pub

For a classic Irish pub, head to Kelly O’Shea’s. The pub serves traditional Irish fare, shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage among it, along with a long selection of beer and whiskey. The friendly staff and the room make it a good spot for a night out.

Moto’s Public House

Moto’s Public House is where to go for a hearty meal. The menu features classic American dishes, burgers and steaks among them, as well as options with a shape of their own, fried pickles and mac and cheese bites among those. The restaurant also runs a strong selection of beer and cocktails.

Eateries

If you are looking for something quick and easy, Fort Madison runs plenty of eateries to choose from. Grab a slice of pizza at Pizza Hut or Casey’s General Store, or take some fast food at McDonald’s or Subway. For a sweet treat, head to Dairy Queen or Sonic Drive-In. Whatever you are in the mood for, you will find it in Fort Madison.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Fort Madison runs options that will meet your every need. Gifts you will not see twice or something for yourself, you will find it all here. Below are the best places to shop in Fort Madison.

Purchase on Main Street

If you are looking for a shopping run with some character in it, then Main Street is where to be. This historic street is lined with shops and boutiques that run everything from clothing to home decor. You will find everything from antique stores to modern boutiques, so there is a version for each.

One of the most popular shops on Main Street is the Ivy Bake Shoppe & Cafe. This cafe runs baked goods, sandwiches and coffee drinks. The cafe also has a gift shop that features gifts and home decor items you will not find twice.

Jewelry Stores

If you are looking for a special piece of jewelry, then Fort Madison runs stores with a long selection of high-quality jewelry. The most popular jewelry stores in Fort Madison include:

• The Gem Gallery: This store offers a wide selection of fine jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion jewelry.
• Margo’s: This store offers a variety of unique and affordable jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
• The Jewelry Nook: This store offers a wide selection of jewelry, including custom pieces and repairs.

Whatever you are looking for, you will find it in Fort Madison. So why not take a stroll down Main Street and see what stops you?

Events

Fort Madison is a town that runs events through the year. A rodeo fan or a music lover, there is a version for each. These are the events you do not want to miss:

Tri-State Rodeo

Yeehaw. The Tri-State Rodeo is one of the biggest events in Fort Madison and takes place every September. This event runs across a long weekend and draws thousands of visitors from all over the country. You will see cowboys and cowgirls competing in events like bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. It is a full event that works for the whole family.

National Blues

If you are a fan of blues music, check out the National Blues festival in March. This event runs across a weekend and features some of the best blues musicians in the country. You will hear everything from traditional blues to modern takes on the genre. The festival takes place in venues throughout the town, so you will have plenty of chances to catch your favorite performers.

Other events that take place in Fort Madison include the Riverfest in May and summer concerts. Keep an eye on the town’s event calendar so you do not miss out on any of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun facts about Fort Madison, Iowa?

Did you know that Fort Madison was the site of the first U.S. military fort on the upper Mississippi? Or that the town was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States? And get this, Fort Madison is also home to the world’s largest double-decker swing-span bridge. That is right, you can swing your way across the Mississippi in style.

What are some free things to do in nearby Burlington, Iowa?

Looking for some cheap thrills? Head on over to nearby Burlington and check out the Snake Alley. This twisty-turny street was named the “Crookedest Street in the World” by Ripley’s Believe It or Not. And if you came for the history, do not miss the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum. It is free and packed with exhibits worth the time.

Is Putt-A-Round in Fort Madison a good spot for mini-golf?

Well, that depends on how good you are at mini-golf. If you are a pro, you might find the course a bit easy. But if you are a novice, you will have a run at putting your way through the obstacles and challenges. Plus, the staff is super friendly and the prices are reasonable. So why not give it a shot?

How high do you have to climb to reach the top of Fort Madison’s elevation?

Well, technically you do not have to climb anything to reach the top of Fort Madison’s elevation. The town sits at an elevation of 509 feet above sea level, so you are already there. But if you are looking for a bit of a workout, you can always climb up to the top of Old Fort Madison. It is only about 20 feet high, but hey, every little bit counts, right?

Frequently asked questions about Fort Madison, Iowa

What is there for a family to do at Old Fort Madison in Iowa?

Old Fort Madison was built in 1808, and it sits in a city park down on the bank of the Mississippi River. You take the self-guided tour, so the kids can move at their own pace. The fort stands about 20 feet high, which is a short climb for them. Go early.

What is there for kids to do at Funcity in Fort Madison, Iowa?

Funcity sits in the northwest section of the city, and it runs a miniature golf course and video games inside it. There is an indoor zipline course, laser tag, a water ride and a theme park in there. That is a full day out, so pack the change of clothes. Book ahead.

What actually happens at the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison, Iowa each year?

The Tri-State Rodeo takes place every September and it draws thousands of visitors from across the country to the town. You see bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing over the run of it. It works for the whole family, so bring all of them along. Wear a hat.

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