USA’s Best Scenic Drive – The Great River Road
Turnwater Bar & Grill and Fort Madison’s new award-winning marina.
USA TODAY has officially named the Great River Road the Best Scenic Drive in America in the 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—and we’re thrilled to say that Fort Madison, Iowa is right on the route!
Spanning 3,000 miles from the headwaters of the Mississippi in Minnesota to the Gulf Coast, the Great River Road winds through 10 states and more than 100 charming river towns. And while every stop along the way has its own story, Fort Madison stands out as a truly special place to pause, explore, and stay the night.
Over the last few years, our community has racked up major honors from Travel Iowa, highlighting the best of what we have to offer:
Best Lodging – The Kingsley Inn, a beautifully restored historic hotel in the heart of downtown
Best Rural Dining Experience – Harvestville Farm, a farm-to-table gem just outside of town
Best Rural Retail Experience – Harvestville Farm (yes, it’s worth a double visit!)
Outstanding Community – Metro – City of Fort Madison
Most Outstanding Event – Tri-State Rodeo, a Fort Madison tradition and now a Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee
Outstanding Marketing Collaboration – Lake Cooper Loop, a scenic 50-mile Mississippi River drive on both the Iowa & Illinois sides.
But that’s just the beginning…
Why Fort Madison is a Must-Stop on the Great River Road:
Railfan Central – Fort Madison is the #1 train-watching site in the U.S., thanks to Virtual Railfan and our picturesque location on a major BNSF rail line.
Engineering Marvels – Home to the world’s largest double-deck swing span bridge, which still carries both rail and road traffic.
Historic Landmarks – Home of the Historic Iowa State Penitentiary, the oldest prison west of the Mississippi.
Cultural Heritage – We’re home to Iowa’s oldest Mexican community, celebrating its 104th Fort Madison Mexican Fiesta this September!
Award-Winning Flavor – Sample Iowa State Fair-winning cheese at Hinterland Dairy.
Amtrak Access – Fort Madison is the only Iowa stop on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, offering direct routes between Chicago and Los Angeles.
Rodeo Royalty – The Tri-State Rodeo brings in fans from across the nation and is now part of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame!
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re chasing river views, local flavor, or just need a great place to relax and recharge, Fort Madison offers it all—with small-town charm, friendly faces, and unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
📍 Be sure to stop by our Historic 1910 Santa Fe Depot at 10th & Avenue H. Our tourism team is here to help you make the most of your Great River Road adventure with maps, local tips, and a warm welcome.
So the next time you find yourself cruising along the Best Scenic Drive in America, slow down and discover everything Fort Madison has to offer. We promise—it’s worth the stop.
