Fort Madison is home to many year-round attractions as well as many seasonal events and annual festivals.
Attractions
Historic Center
The brochure for this self-guided tour includes descriptions of 89 of Fort Madison's most interesting and beautiful examples of Victorian architecture.
Engine 2913
Riverview Park
Displayed in Riverview Park, this engine was built in 1943 and was capable of speeds up to 120 miles per hour.
Fort Madison Art Center
Downtown Fort Madison
The Fort Madison Art Center is housed in the renovated Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Passenger Depot. Fine arts exhibits as well as a sales gallery carrying the works of over 40 local artists. Periodically, offering classes.
Iowa State Penitentiary
1st Street
Commissioned as the territorial prison before Iowa was a state, the first buildings were built in 1839. Several cell houses are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lake Cooper - Pool 19
Created in 1913 by the Keokuk Dam, Lake Cooper is 43 miles long, has 235 miles of shoreline, and hosts fishing tournaments.
Lone Chimney Memorial
Highway 61 across from the Sheaffer Pen Co.
This monument, built by the D.A.R., denotes the actual site of Blockhouse #1 of the original Fort Madison.
North Lee County Courthouse
7th Street & Avenue F
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this courthouse, built in 1840, is the oldest in continuous use in the State of Iowa.
Old Fort Madison
Riverview Park
Old Fort Madison offers visitors a chance to step back in time and discover military life as it was on the frontier of the Louisiana Territory. The Fort is an accurate re-construction of the first military fort on the upper Mississippi. Authentically dressed historic interpreters take visitors through the day-to-day tasks of the soldiers and their families who live there. Visitors are encouraged to partake of the past with the hands-on experience of trying a fresh-baked morsel, dipping a candle, or holding a musket. Open daily 9-5, Memorial Day through August 31 and weekends only May 1 - Memorial Day, September and October.
Santa Fe Swing Span Bridge
At the Foot of 2nd Street
Built in 1927 with a 525-foot swing span, this bridge is the longest double-decked swing span bridge in the world.
Sesquicentennial Mural
613 Avenue G
This unique mural follows an interconnected path from the area's earliest history, through the growth of Fort Madison and ending with a look at the present day.
William G. Kuhlmeier Reflective Pool & Fountain
Riverview Park
Located in Fort Madison's riverfront, this attraction features a dancing water and light display. In the winter months it becomes an ice skating rink.
Smitty's Maize Maze
2096 290th Avenue Fort Madison
Open Mid-July through October 31st, this attraction features a corn maze, a hay bale maze, and a rope maze. Group tours and motor coaches are welcome.
Events
PRCA Rodeo in a 10,000-seat arena held the weekend after Labor Day.
July 4th Celebrations
Come enjoy the Tri-States oldest Fourth of July Parade, the Charlie Korschgen "Kiddies Parade", and watch the children parade along Avenue G showing their patriotic red, white and blue.
Mexican Fiesta
The Mexican Fiesta, held in mid-September, is a celebration of Mexico's independence. Fort Madison's event started in 1922 and features authentic Mexican food, carnival rides, dancing and entertainment.
Old Fort Madison Candlelight Tour
This is a step back in time during an evening guided tour of old Fort Madison. A historically garbed interpreter will guide visitors through the reconstructed War of 1812 fort and introduce them to the actual residents of the fort. After the tour, guests will enjoy period fare at the fort's Blue Heron Tavern overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. The staff will entertain guests featuring the characters and events of the fort's past.
Parade of Lights
This event is held the Friday night after Thanksgiving in historic downtown Fort Madison. The "Lighting of the Snowflakes" in Riverview Park kicks off the holiday season on Thanksgiving night at 6:00 pm with fireworks after each lighting followed by a large fireworks display at the end. After the parade on Friday night, enjoy a stroll through the lighted displays in the beautiful Riverview Park through January 1st.
For more information on attractions, entertainment, annual events, and festivals in and around the City of Fort Madison contact:
Fort Madison Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Sandy Brown, Executive Director
709 9th Street
Fort Madison, IA 52627
Phone: (319) 372-5472
Toll-Free: 1-800-210-TOUR
www.visitfortmadison.com
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