Location: Fort Madison
Top Things to do in Fort Madison
10 Things to Do in Fort Madison That You Shouldn't Miss
Fort Madison is a city and a county seat of Lee County, Iowa, United States along with Keokuk. Of Iowa's 99 counties, Lee County is the only one with two county seats. The population was 11,051 at the 2010 census. Located along the Mississippi River in the state's southeast corner, it lies between small bluffs along one of the widest portions of the river.
Restaurants in Fort Madison
1. Old Fort Madison
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Jason M - Iowa, United States
Our family (8 yr-old, mom and dad) had a great time visiting this museum. Full disclosure, it was constructed in modern times (1980's I think) using historically accurate tools and techniques as a museum patterned after the original fort of the same name.
There is about 90-minutes of activities here including several rooms with different themes like barracks, hospital, kitchen and an office from pioneer days. It's very well cared for, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and there is a small gift shop.
In addition to the fort, you can see a Santa Fe / Burlington train engine, a fountain, and the Mississippi River all from the same parking lot. The fountain has tad poles in it, we had a great time catching them. Pack a lunch, grab your camera and come check this place out - it's really fun.
2. Historic Nauvoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
Tribute to Mormon industry and vision. Glimpse of 1840's life in Illinois' 2nd largest city. Beautiful location on banks of the Mississippi. Restored homes and shops. Horse-drawn wagon rides. Pioneer craft demonstrations. Live entertainment. Free to the public. Open 365 days a year.
Reviewed By SherlynSLC - Salt Lake City, Utah
A can't miss site if you enjoy seeing historical places. Numerous buildings that have been restored to their original state filled with period furniture and artifacts, many belonging to the original owners. Not to miss are the blacksmith shop where they give everyone a Prairie diamond ring ( made from a horseshoe nail) and a miniature horseshoe, the Living a Center where they show you how ropes and barrels are made and demonstrations on bread and candle making as well as weaving, spinning and using a loom. The tin shop and gun shop and post office are also interesting. Be sure to pickup free tickets for the nightly play "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo"
3. North Lee County Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Brightens - Carthage, Illinois
Having taken grandkids a few years ago, i was expecting the same viewing of items. This time, there was an area "under construction." The tour guide showed us the items and explained them, yet it was a bit messy. We were so glad to have the tour guide who was quite knowledgeable and patient with our group of four youngsters and two adults.
This museum is easy to access and accepts donations for viewing it.. The gift shop is small which is understandable.
4. Nauvoo Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By 960LisaA - Reeds Spring, Missouri
Our large group of 200 were all able to attend a session in the temple. We scheduled it at least 6 months in advance. Bro. Marshall is fabulous! We took the time to take pictures of each group as they exited the temple.
5. Joseph Smith Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By bryonia2015 - Brisbane, Australia
Draining an uninhabitable 800 acre swamp to create a beautiful community was a terrific feat, especially in the 1840's. The RLDS rehabilitated and now maintain this site, to preserve the history of the Latter Day Saints movement and the legacy of Joseph Smith. Visitors can enjoy the elegant Joseph Smith Visitors Centre, speak with the knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers, walk within the beautiful grounds and visit most of the historic buildings. There is a large cemetery for the the Smith family, which is attended by their descendants to this day. There are some terrific buys in the Gift Shops, books on the early movement, and a wonderful book on Kirtland. Great place to visit for a short time or a half a day.
6. Baxter's Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Lisa R - Joliet, Illinois
I've had Baxter's wine several years in a row while visiting their booth at Vintage Illinois Wine Festival held every September in Utica so I knew what to expect. I couldn't pass up stopping at this historic winery while staying in Nauvoo for the Grape Festival. We did a mini-wine tasting, more so for my partner than for me and purchased a few bottles of wine, which we shared with friends that evening. Great wines, affordable and friendly staff is what keeps me purchasing their products. The winery itself is quant in a nice setting and you can even see some of their grapes growing across the street and in a few areas near the winery.
7. Lost Duck Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
3 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By travelingPhotog - Ft Madison Iowa
Nice little brew house that offers some very good food, a clean and cozy spot to chat with friends and have a special brew some good eats and a nice view.
8. Brigham Young Home
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By ccksmra - Harlan, Iowa
Two friendly LDS Sisters provided both a historical perspective of Nauvoo and the church. While the second floor was not open for touring and period pieces decorated much of home, the Sisters pointed out all originals. If tme permits, do stroll around the homes exterior and see the root cellar. The LDS church has perserved many sites in the historical district, budget at least 20 minutes per site and ask questions the Sisters & Brothers are more than happy to answer!
9. Rheinberger House Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Located in the Nauvoo State Park, the museum features a stone-arched wine cellar and original 150-year-old winemaking equipment. The original home of four rooms was built in the 1840's. Alois Rheinberger added four more rooms in 1850, plus the wine cellar. The Nauvoo Historical Society has staffed the museum since 1954. It is to preserve an important part of Nauvoo's history that is unique to the site. Open May 15th – Oct 15th or by appointment.
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Nestled on a hillside in the Nauvoo State Park and surrounded by a 160-year-old vineyard and heirloom apple trees, the Rheinberger House Museum stands as an eloquent tribute to the hard-working pioneers in the grape-growing and wine-making industry. It contains a large collection of furniture and other articles dating to Native American times. It features a stone-arched wine cellar and original 150-year-old wine-making equipment. The original house of four rooms was built in the 1840s. Alois Rheinberger added four more rooms after he settled in Nauvoo in 1850, plus the wine cellar and a pressroom. In the spring of 1851, he planted a three-acre vineyard behind his house which has remained in continuous production ever since. The Nauvoo Historical Society has staffed the museum since 1954. The Rheinberger house contains artifacts from the German, Mormon, Icarian, Civil War and other periods of history. Among the highlights is the Presidents' Room, which explores Abraham Lincoln and artifacts from the Civil War, World War I and World War II. A regimental flag, carried in the Civil War by Matthew Alston when he marched with Sherman, is on display. Reproductions of paintings by prominent local artist Lane K. Newberry can be seen. They depict events in Lincoln's life from childhood to the presidency. All artifacts, including dioramas that depict Nauvoo's rich pioneer history and a large Rosewood piano and a portable organ and a spinning wheel, and photographs have been donated by local families through the years.
10. Nauvoo State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By herd_of_5 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
We camped for three nights with several families in the "Class B" primitive area. There were not official campsites so it was perfect to set up a bunch of tents for the kids. Lots of shade and clean shower houses. Rangers were helpful.
The only caveat was there was a train nearby, it was only active one night but it was loud.
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