Fort Madison Weekend Hospitality

Finding Your Fort Madison

An insider’s guide to stories, events, and fun.

SANTA FE DEPOT

If you’ve stopped by the Santa Fe Depot this year, chances are you were greeted with a smile, and maybe even a brochure or two. So far in 2025, our Tourism Office has welcomed 1,613 guests, already topping last year’s total of 1,500. Our secrets to welcome 21% more people? Weekend staff!

Back in 2024, Saturdays and Sundays at the Depot were quiet. That’s because Amtrak Amy and the Tourism Director both get weekends off. (Even people in tourism need a nap and have summer fun too!) The problem was, trains and tourists don’t take days off, so we were missing out on conversations, directions, and the chance to show off Fort Madison hospitality.

New Exhibit!

Fort Madison’s timeline mural was installed in May of 2025.

When $2,400 from a previous tourism fund became available, we knew exactly how to invest it. Six friendly locals were hired to cover weekends from Memorial Day through September. Instead of locked doors, visitors were greeted with dining recommendations, maps, brochures, a guest book to sign and to see a friendly local face. They also can follow us on our social media platforms, give a great google review and join our email list, which keeps them connected long after their trip. The feedback has been fantastic and visitors love being welcomed by real people.

So here’s to Jim, Claire, Emi, Megan, Justice, and Tara—our weekend staff! You’ve helped turn the Santa Fe Depot into a place where travelers leave with smiles, directions, and maybe even knowledge on a new event to bring you back to Fort Madison for another tip!