VIRTUAL RAILFAN

  • Logo for Virtual Railway featuring an orange circle with black diagonal lines and the letters V and R, accompanied by the text "VIRTUAL RAILWAY" in bold black letters and the slogan "WE BRING THE TRAINS TO YOU!" underneath.

    Virtual Railfan

    Virtual Railfan brings the trains to you from all over the globe.  Our network offers over 100 cams so there’s always a train coming.  Get your membership today and check out everything we have to offer.  Chat with other railfans in our live chat and become a part of an amazing railfan community.

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  • Outline of the state of Iowa with a logo for Virtual Railfan and text 'Fort Madison, Iowa'

    United States #1 Railfanning Location

    The Fort Madison Virtual Railfan camera was installed in June 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a much-needed window to the world for those isolating at home. It introduced viewers worldwide to the charm of our scenic riverfront, bustling with boats and trains. Four years and 44 million views later, railfans from across the globe have not only visited our quaint town of 10,000 but have also fallen in love with its unique character and welcoming community.

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  • Three men standing in front of a restaurant with a blue sign that reads 'Home of the Wallyburger.' The men are smiling and wearing casual clothes. The restaurant has pots of flowers outside and a large window with a neon sign that says 'Wally Burgers.' The sky is partly cloudy.

    How to Spot an FMD-VR-VIP

    *They’ve mastered the game "Block or No Block" and have racked up multiple wins.

    *They can tell you all about "Uncle Pete."

    *They know exactly what "Arby's Time" means in Fort Madison.

    *They’ve had the pleasure of meeting "Amtrak Amy."

    *They always head to the back of the caboose to wave at the camera.

    *They’re no stranger to the Grab Bag and have been featured multiple times.

    *They know what to order at Jake & Walt’s Fort Diner.

    Railfan Reviews
Black and white photograph of a vintage steam locomotive with snow on its parts, facing the camera on railroad tracks.

Virtual Railfan

With over 44million views since June of 2020, the Fort Madison Virtual Railfan cam has become one of the top viewing destination for railfans worldwide!

Why is Fort Madison so popular?

  • We see 60-80 locomotives pass through daily.

  • Our camera has a fantastic view of the Mississippi Riverfront.

  • Our viewers are able to watch not only trains, but passing barges, riverboats and leisure boats on the river.

  • View Amtrak’s Southwest Chief riders take a 5 minute stretch break trackside. This route travels from Chicago to Los Angeles and makes 2 stops a day in Fort Madison.

  • The 1927 Santa Fe Bridge is the world’s largest double deck swing span bridge and opens an average of 2,000 times per year for passing river traffic.

  • Visitors of the site can view Old Fort Madison, from which our community was named after. This replica offers a glimpse of life on the frontier from 1808-1813.

  • Our viewers can also watch migratory birds as they travel the Mississippi Flyway.