Table of Contents
Ft Madison Iowa Map
Introduction
Located in the southeast corner of Iowa, Ft. Madison is a charming city with a rich history and a vibrant present. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor adventurer, a foodie, a culture seeker, or a family traveler, there’s something for everyone in Ft. Madison. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in Ft. Madison and its surroundings.
Top Attractions
Old Fort Madison
As the name suggests, Old Fort Madison is a replica of the original fort built in 1808 by the US Army to protect the fur trade. The fort was destroyed in 1813 during the War of 1812, but the replica was built in the 1970s and today stands as a living history museum. Visitors can explore the fort’s buildings, watch demonstrations of period crafts and skills, and learn about the daily life of the soldiers and settlers who lived here.
Santa Fe Swing Span Bridge
This pedestrian and bicycle bridge spans the Mississippi River between Ft. Madison and Niota, Illinois. The bridge was originally built in 1927 as a swing span for trains, but it was converted to a pedestrian bridge in the 1990s. The bridge offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding bluffs, and it’s a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and watching river traffic.
Hidden Gems
Baxter’s Vineyards & Winery
Located just outside of Nauvoo, Illinois, about 15 minutes from Ft. Madison, Baxter’s Vineyards & Winery is Iowa’s oldest winery, and it’s been family-owned and operated since 1857. The winery produces a variety of wines from locally-grown grapes, and visitors can sample the wines in the tasting room, take a tour of the winery, and enjoy live music and events throughout the year.
Sheaffer Memorial Golf Park
This 18-hole golf course is located in Lee County, about 10 minutes from Ft. Madison. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and it offers challenging play and scenic views of the Iowa countryside. The park also features a driving range, a putting green, a pro shop, and a restaurant.
Food Scene
Ivy Bake Shoppe & Cafe
This cozy cafe in downtown Ft. Madison serves breakfast, lunch, and baked goods made from scratch with locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features classic American comfort food with a twist, like the breakfast scrambles, the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and the homemade pies. The cafe also has a gift shop with unique gifts and souvenirs.
Lost Duck Brewery & Taproom
This microbrewery in Fort Madison produces a variety of craft beers, from light and refreshing to dark and complex. The taproom offers a cozy and casual atmosphere to enjoy a pint or a flight, and there’s often live music and food trucks on weekends. The brewery also hosts events and private parties.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Fort Madison Trolley
The Fort Madison Trolley is a free shuttle service that runs on a loop around the city, stopping at major attractions and hotels. The trolley operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it’s a convenient and budget-friendly way to get around town.
State Parks and Wildlife Areas
Iowa has a wealth of state parks and wildlife areas that offer free or low-cost outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking and fishing to camping and birdwatching. Some of the closest parks and areas to Ft. Madison include Geode State Park, Shimek State Forest, and Green Bay Wildlife Area.
Outdoor Adventures
Riverview Park
This park in Ft. Madison is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and boating. The park offers a boat ramp, a fishing pier, a playground, and picnic shelters. The park also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, like the annual Rodeo Days celebration and the Riverfest music festival.
Des Moines River Trail
This paved trail follows the Des Moines River for 52 miles, from City Square Park in Estherville to Fort Dodge. The trail is open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and it offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding countryside. The trail passes through several small towns and parks, and it’s a great way to explore the Iowa outdoors.
Historical Landmarks
Lee County Courthouse
This historic courthouse in Keokuk, about 20 minutes from Ft. Madison, was built in 1847 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse has been restored to its original grandeur, and it features a beautiful clock tower, a grand staircase, and a courtroom with original woodwork and artwork. The courthouse is open for tours on weekdays.
Keokuk National Cemetery
This national cemetery in Keokuk was established in 1862 and is the final resting place of over 5,000 veterans from the Civil War to the present. The cemetery features a beautiful entrance gate, a memorial chapel, and a variety of monuments and markers. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or attend one of the cemetery’s annual events.
Family-Friendly Activities
Family Aquatic Center
This water park in Ft. Madison features a variety of pools, slides, and water play areas for all ages. The park also has a concession stand, a picnic area, and a sunbathing deck. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Lee County Fair
The Lee County Fair is held every July in Donnellson, about 15 minutes from Ft. Madison. The fair features a variety of agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and 4-H competitions. The fair is a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Sheaffer Pen Museum
This museum in Fort Madison celebrates the history of Sheaffer Pens, which were made in Ft. Madison from 1912 to 2008. The museum features displays of vintage pens, advertising materials, and memorabilia, as well as interactive exhibits that demonstrate the pen-making process. Visitors can also shop for pens and accessories in the museum’s gift shop.
Wheeler’s Catfish House
This family-owned restaurant in Keokuk is a local favorite for its fried catfish, hush puppies, and other Southern-style dishes. The restaurant is housed in a historic building that was once a general store, and it’s filled with antiques and memorabilia. The restaurant also has a gift shop with unique gifts and souvenirs.
Natural Wonders
Geode State Park
This state park in Lee County is named for the geodes, or hollow rock formations, that can be found here. The park offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, and picnicking, as well as a beach and a boat ramp on Lake Geode. Visitors can also hunt for geodes in the park’s designated areas.
Lost Grove Lake
This lake and wildlife area in Scott County is about an hour’s drive from Ft. Madison, but it’s worth the trip for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming, and the surrounding woods and prairies are home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, deer, and wild turkeys.
Vibrant Nightlife
Big Muddy’s
This bar and grill in downtown Burlington, about 20 minutes from Ft. Madison, is a popular spot for live music, karaoke, and dancing. The menu features classic American pub food, like burgers, wings, and sandwiches, as well as a variety of drinks and cocktails. The bar also has outdoor seating and a game room.
The Cellar
This wine bar and restaurant in downtown Ft. Madison offers a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere for a night out. The menu features gourmet dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, and the wine list features a variety of domestic and international wines. The bar also has live music on weekends.
Local Markets
Fort Madison Farmers Market
This farmers market in downtown Ft. Madison is held every Thursday from May to October. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. The market also hosts live music and other events throughout the season.
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