Clayton Hensley- March 30, 2025

Echoes of frontier history, modern art, mystery and adventure all come together in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  Situated  along the Des Moines River, this town of about 25,000 may not be on your radar.  There are plenty of surprising finds in Fort Dodge, which makes it far from an ordinary place.  Here are things you won’t want to miss during a visit. 

Amy Piper

Fort Dodge is a family-friendly town with cultural activities, from art museums with kids’ art classes to a storybook park. The park is the perfect place for the kids to get outside and let off some steam. In between all the activities, the whole family will need fuel to keep going. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

Roxie Yonkey

The county seat of Webster County and home of Iowa Central Community College sits at the confluence of the Des Moines River and Lizard Creek. The area’s attractions should be on every traveler’s checklist, whether you enjoy art, architecture, history, shopping, or dining. 

Vanessa Whiteside- August 28, 2023

Fort Dodge, Iowa, is different from your typical Midwest town. It offers plenty of things to do that are out of the ordinary, making for a memorable and fun weekend stay. From a winery and breweries to artwork by world-renowned artists and outdoor recreation, it is worth adding to your travel bucket list.

Katy Flint- March 17, 2023

Fort Dodge has a lot to offer those who love the arts & the outdoors plus history!

Amy Piper

As summer wanes, the family may look for something more seasonal to do. A visit to Community Orchard is in order, where they feature apples and pumpkins in a jam-packed family itinerary full of fun.

Michelle Marine- June 16, 2023

Looking for the best of Fort Dodge: restaurants, lodging, adventure and more? From rich history to good food to outdoor adventures, you’ll find something for the whole family in Fort Dodge, Iowa. If you’re looking to #DodgeTheOrdinary, you’ll want to plan a trip!! 

Laura Ray- January 15, 2023

The Midwest may not get as much love as the coasts, but it has plenty to discover.

Travel Iowa

Escape the monotony of daily life and visit Fort Dodge. The community’s vast art collections, historic attractions and charming restaurants offer the perfect opportunity to recharge.

Tim Trudell- December 27, 2022

Who says there’s nothing to do in Iowa after snow covers the ground and the thermostat hits 32 degrees Fahrenheit (or colder)? Just dress a little warmer and head out for the slopes, lakes, or even use your eagle eyes to view – what else? – eagles. As the calendar hits winter, Iowa’s outdoors are just warming up.

Brian Abeling- December 17, 2022

Their slogan “Dodge the Ordinary” is very fitting, as Fort Dodge is not what you would expect. Fort Dodge has some unique art and history locations, along with some unexpected dining options.

Charlene Selbee- November 6, 2022

After reading just one of Broers suggestions, readers will be eager to get out and explore the culturally and historically rich and scenic Iowa that Broers lives and breathes.

Charlene Scott- October 30, 2022

Fort Dodge is a small community. Its history dates to 1850...The town surprised me with many ‘things to do.’ 

Sara Broers

After you visit the grain silo, swing into Tea Thyme/Thyme To Shop for a tasty meal. This tea room offers the best chicken salad croissant sandwich that I have indulged in, in quite some time.

Michelle Marine- August 2, 2022

You might be surprised by all of the active outdoor adventures that are waiting for you in Fort Dodge, Iowa. If you like being active in the great outdoors, you will love this part of Iowa.

Tim Trudell- July 14, 2022

Located about 90 minutes northwest of Des Moines, Fort Dodge is easily accessible from Interstate 35 and Highway 20. Here are a few of the fun things to do — and some eateries to enjoy — in Fort Dodge.

Tim Trudell- June 14, 2022

Often incorporating actual buildings from the periods they highlight, the museums offer a different look at history. From one-room schoolhouses to log cabins, you’ll be surprised what you’ll find as you walk along streets representing the Wild West, immigrant towns, and more. 

Katy Flint- September 17, 2021

We’ve been visiting Fort Dodge, Iowa for a couple years now and we know how many great places there are to explore, so we thought it was only right to put together a Passport for you to follow to make the most out of your visit!

Kay and Matt Johnson- September 9, 2021

Hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and even OHV-ing is what I found when I visited Fort Dodge, Iowa on a FAM trip with Midwest Travel Network.  This trip was 3 full days of outdoor activities!  Any outdoor enthusiast will never get bored in this Midwest area. 

Cindy Ladage- August 17, 2021

What’s better than traveling where you can see amazing art and architecture? I love to do both. Public art adds so much to an area’s interest with something to see almost everywhere. 

Erin Huiatt

I discovered that Fort Dodge, Iowa is super fun and not your ordinary family destination. If you are looking for a solo or family getaway full of outdoor adventures Fort Dodge is the place to visit!

Sara Broers- August 11, 2021

Fort Dodge, Iowa, is home to the Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park. Riders come from all around the world to ride the miles of trails using ATVs, side-by-sides, and off-road motorcycles.

Sara Broers- July 19, 2021

Spend the day how you choose to, and let the fun begin. Each of these towns offers more than a day trip of activities, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a longer adventure on your next trip out of Des Moines.

Brian Abeling- July 2, 2021

Sunflower fields in Iowa?  Yes, there are actually a large number of sunflower fields in the state of Iowa.  Each field may bloom at a different time, as it depends on when it was planted as well as the weather conditions. 

Sara Broers- December 31, 2020

From grain silos to sculpture walks, there’s bound to be something that will interest you. I hope you will hop in your car and visit some of these places, as they each have something unique to offer. The secret is out: Public art is alive and well in the Midwest.

Amy Piper

Fort Dodge features a wide variety of experiences for children of all ages. No matter the age of your grandchildren, you’ll find plenty to keep them engaged and happily busy.

Dan Cline- November 4, 2020

Nestled between the Des Moines River and a little park (Loomis Park) sits an old abandoned concrete silo – turned into a rural masterpiece on the outer edges of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Katy Flint- June 16, 2019

When you’re looking for a day trip that includes art, history, fun, and food, plan your visit to Fort Dodge, Iowa.  You’ll be surprised at the great finds in this community in Central Iowa!   

Jay Goodvin- March 2, 2019

It’s the last days of winter and you know you’re feeling a little cooped up. You can continue to hibernate or figure out a way to show this long winter how take it on and head into the Spring primed and ready for action and the folks in Webster County want you to “Find Your Adventure in Fort Dodge.” We did!

Jay Goodvin- March 10, 2019

Spring IS getting closer, and we only have mere days left of winter and Iowa is telling us that it’s prepared to hold on to the cold streak for a little while longer. Don’t let that get you down, because when the road are clear you can still get out enjoy yourself and show that Frost guy that he’s not getting the best of you. It’s time to bring you the second half of our recent trip to Fort Dodge!

Sara Broers

Through social media, I had... seen photos of silos in Fort Dodge. They looked to be an amazing work of art. These silos are amazing and worth the road trip!