Jeff and Crystal Bryant- August 22, 2025

Each year, this lively festival brings Iowa’s past to life, giving visitors a peek into the daily lives, music, and adventures of early settlers. From rustic homes and historic buildings to cowboys strumming guitars and performers juggling firesticks, there’s an energy here that blends education with pure fun.

Jeff and Crystal Bryant- August 7, 2025

This time around, we dove into the art scene, where we were greeted not just by galleries, but by a community with a deep appreciation for visual storytelling. It was the kind of day that made us pause, connect, and even get a little crafty ourselves. Turns out, when art is both personal and participatory, it leaves a more profound impression—and in our case, a colorful one.

Veronica Bareman- July 30, 2025

There’s just something fun about skipping the chain hotel and trying something new, especially when it involves a tent-like structure with wooden floors, climate control, and a private bathroom.

Veronica Bareman- July 12, 2025

Fort Dodge, Iowa, might sound like a destination for military buffs or history nerds—and yes, there’s a cannon or two—but what I found during my recent Frontier Days visit was something far more surprising: a town filled with quirky art, heartfelt tributes, and stories waiting to be discovered.

Veronica Bareman- July 7, 2025

Tucked in the heart of Iowa, Fort Dodge might not be the first destination to come to mind, but it should be.  Sure, it doesn’t have sunny beaches or a fantastic theme park, but it has so much history, character, and beauty, it will dazzle you all the same.

Brittany Tiller- June 28, 2025

Webster County is packed with family-friendly fun, from rugged hikes to hands-on museums and quirky roadside stops.

Sara Broers

Fort Dodge, Iowa, continually surprises me. I had not taken a road trip to Fort Dodge with my grandkids, until now. On a recent visit, I discovered several free things to enjoy with my grandkids.

Jeff and Crystal Bryant

From the moment we walked through the doors, our visit became a springboard for conversations about science, nature, and the wonders of the world around us.

Jeff and Crystal Bryant

There’s something magical about rounding a corner in small-town America and having the breath catch in your throat. That’s precisely what happened when we stumbled into Fort Dodge, Iowa, chasing whispers of a mural that had transformed an old grain silo into a storybook on cement.

Jeff and Crystal Bryant

On a recent trip through Iowa, Crystal and I found ourselves face-to-face with one of the most jaw-dropping relics of American showmanship: a stone man with a backstory as large as his feet.

Brittany Tiller- April 1, 2025

Located just south of Fort Dodge along the Des Moines River, Dolliver Memorial State Park spans over 600 acres of bluffs, canyons, creeks, and forested hills. This hidden gem in northwestern Iowa is packed with natural beauty, fascinating history, and plenty of ways to explore.

Brittany Tiller

Just 6.5 miles southeast of Fort Dodge in Webster County, this 63.5-acre preserve offers a challenging hike, a hidden waterfall, and rich history.

Brittany Tiller- April 1, 2025

What was planned as a quick stop on our trip turned into a highlight of the day, with clear water to wade through, scenic bike trails, and an easy-to-navigate creek for beginner creek hikers. 

Brittany Tiller

With Badger Lake at its center, this park is packed with family-friendly things to do—bike trails, a lake for paddling and fishing, a natural playscape, a campground, and the one-of-a-kind Children’s Forest. 

Brittany Tiller

This privately-owned nonprofit museum features a full-scale replica of an original military post and a Frontier Village made up of authentic 19th- and early 20th-century buildings. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

Roadside America

One of the best pranks of the 19th century was the Cardiff Giant, a "petrified man" unearthed in upstate New York that was in fact a rather badly carved statue that had been buried to fool gullible people and make a lot of money (which it did). 

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!