The Wild West of the Midwest

They don’t call Fort Madison the “Wild West of the Midwest” for nothing. Set along the Mississippi River, our story began as a frontier trading post and grew with the power of riverboats and the Santa Fe railroad.

We’re home to the oldest prison west of the Mississippi River established in 1839, Iowa’s oldest Mexican community rooted in the Santa Fe Traqueros who helped extend the railroad out west, and the 78 year old rodeo that still kicks up dust as one of the best in the Midwest.

From working family farms and dairies, to roaming elk and bison, Fort Madison blends frontier grit with rich cultural heritage in a way no other Midwestern town can!

A brown adult and a small brown puppy lying on the ground in a rural area. There is a grassy patch and a fence in the background with trees and power lines.

Quarry Creek Elk & Bison

Four horses with saddles and bridles tied to a wooden fence, standing in front of a white shed and a blooming pink tree, with a partly cloudy sky.

Horseback Riding

Sunset over a river with a partially dismantled train bridge.

Mississippi River

Sunset over a marina with boats docked at piers, partly cloudy sky with the sun partially obscured, calm water reflecting the sky, a breakwater extends into the water on the left, and buildings are visible in the distance on the right.

Boating

A lively outdoor celebration with a crowd watching a traditional Mexican dance performance in front of a decorated stage, featuring dancers in colorful dresses and hats, and spectators gathered around.

Mexican Heritage

Rodeo cowboy riding a bucking horse in an arena full of spectators.

Tri-State Rodeo

Amtrak train parked at Fort Madison train station with brick building and sign, under blue sky.

Train Travel

Black and white photo of Iowa State Prison in Fort Madison, showing prison walls, watchtower, water tower, and prison buildings with a hill in the background.

Iowa State Penitetiary