Parks and Recreation

Old Fort Madison

Come, step back in time at historic Old Fort Madison, Iowa, the Midwest's oldest American military garrison on the upper Mississippi River. Discover what life was like at a United States fur trading post on the rugged frontier of the Missouri Territory. Learn the exciting heritage of Iowa before it was a state and of its involvement in the War of 1812. This historic installation was home to Captain Horatio Stark's Company of the 1st Regiment, United States Infantry from 1808 to 1813.

Wander through the authentically reconstructed buildings to experience a day in the life of the men, women and children who inhabited this factory post. Be greeted by authentically garbed historic interpreters performing the duties that were necessary to sustain life at an isolated fort. Daily duties can range from baking bread to military drill and musket firing. Visitors are encouraged to partake of the past with hands-on experiences such as trying a fresh baked morsel, dipping a candle, handling Springfield musket or just interacting with the interpreters.

LOCATION: 716 Riverview Drive, Riverview Park

CONTACT INFORMATION: Dr. Eugene Watkins, Site Manager
(319) 372-7700 ext. 275 (Office-year round)
(319) 372-6318 (Fort-summer only)

OPEN: Weekends -- May & September
Wednesday through Sunday --- June through August
HOURS:
9:30 am to 5:00 pm -- Wednesday through Saturday
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm -- Sunday

ADMISSION:
Adults -- $5.00
Youth -- $2.50 (6 to 14 years of age)
Children 5 years of age and under FREE

Ask About Season Tickets!!

GROUP TOURS:
Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more and school tours! Group tours can be scheduled year round. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call the Fort Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau at (319) 372-5472.

2010 Special Events at Old Fort Madison

May 1-2 - Military History Weekend

This is a timeline event with re-enactors demonstrating uniforms, weapons and equipment from a wide range of time periods.  In addition, a display of original uniforms and weapons dating from the French and Indian War era to today will be available for viewing in the Old Fort's Tavern room.

June 12-13 - Fort Meigs at Fort Madison: Artillery of the War of 1812

The Old Northwest Military History Association from Fort Meigs in Perrysburg, Ohio will be back to demonstrate the use of War of 1812 era artillery.

July 3-4 - Independence Day, 1813

Fort Madison's volunteer organization, the Southeastern Iowa Military History Association, in conjunction with the Old Fort's staff is holding a living history weekend, which will culminate on Sunday, July 4, at 1:00 PM in an historical recreation of the fort's July 1813 celebration of our Nation's Independence.

September 11-12 - Siege/Rendezvous: 1812

The Old Fort will again recreate the siege of Fort Madison with battle re-enactments, living history demonstrations and encampments of soldiers, Natives and fur traders.