Road trips across Iowa often pause in Fort Dodge, a regional manufacturing hub at the intersection of U.S. Route 169 and Historic Route 20, about 100 miles north of Des Moines. “We have more hotel rooms than needed for most towns our size,” says Troy Anderson, longtime local and Broker at Coldwell Banker Associated Realtors. “We have so many people traveling through, some stopping here and some moving on. Our hotels are full throughout the week.” Though the city’s meatpacking industry has shrunk since its midcentury heyday, today’s major employers pull from surrounding farmland to turn corn into ethanol, lysine and high-protein animal feed. “We’re still a pretty small town and focusing on that small-town atmosphere,” Anderson says. “The local economy has a lot of good-paying industrial and professional jobs.”
Fort Dodge is the county seat of Webster County and is home to about 25,000 residents.
The historic Downtown Fort Dodge has a variety of buildings, businesses, and entertainment.
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A housing stock from the early- to mid-1900s and sparse Fort Dodge developments
The median price for a home in Fort Dodge is $132,500, far below the national average. Homes from the early- to mid-1900s occupy gridded streets throughout the city. "1980 hit us hard during a farm crisis, so there wasn't a whole lot built in the '80s or even into the '90s," Anderson says. "Our boom of new homes didn't really start until the 2000s." Newer subdivisions on the north side of town contain ranch-style and New Traditional homes with two- to three-car garages. "We have an aging population here where our young people tend to leave and come back later," Anderson says. "We do have some townhomes for people who are downsizing."
Data from the Iowa Department of Public Safety shows that crimes against people in Fort Dodge have increased by about 16% since 2019. Meanwhile, property crime grew by 6%.
Many homes surrounding the downtown Fort Dodge area are pushing 100 years old.
Newer homes can be found in developments and neighborhoods on the outskirts of Fort Dodge.
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Bus routes throughout Fort Dodge and direct flights to Chicago
Though most residents drive, Dodger Area Rapid Transit operates six fixed bus routes throughout Fort Dodge to destinations like Iowa Central Community College and UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center. The crossroads between U.S. Routes 20 and 169 puts the city on the path across Iowa and state lines. Fort Dodge Regional Airport runs two direct flights to Chicago a day. “It’s another plus that many towns our size don’t have, and a good connection to get to an international airport that can take you anywhere,” Anderson says.
Des Moines River parks and the Fort Museum
Most city parks are on the west side of town along the Des Moines River shoreline or Soldier Creek. Race courses and motocross tracks neighbor cornfields and industrial centers on the city’s outskirts. The Fort Museum and Frontier Village bring the city’s military history to life from spring to fall, showcasing a replica stockade and artifact-filled exhibit, including a one-room schoolhouse and log cabin.
Loomis Park sits along the Des Moines River and provides a natural respite from the city.
Frontier Village is home to over a dozen original buildings dating back to the 1800s.
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From the downtown historic district to the future Corridor of Commerce
The Webster County Courthouse looks out over mom and pop shops, breweries and professional offices in the Fort Dodge Downtown Historic District. Meanwhile, the former site of Crossroads Mall on Business Route 20 is now one of Fort Dodge's most significant developments. "They're calling it the Corridor of Commerce," Anderson says. "We're getting new sports facilities, restaurants, and reimagined mall settings with mostly outdoor strip malls and individual stores." Chain fare and big-box stores also line this stretch; some options, like Aldi and Walmart, are the only locations for miles.
Downtown Fort Dodge is home to the Webster County Courthouse and many other historical and charming buildings.
The "Corridor of Commerce" is located on Fort Dodge's west side.
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A school district hub for Webster County
The Fort Dodge Community School District scores a C from Niche and extends to surrounding towns like Badger and Coalville. The new Fort Dodge Early Childhood Center opened its doors in 2021 to all prekindergarten and kindergarten students in the district. From there, kids attend one of four elementary schools before heading to Fort Dodge Middle School and Fort Dodge Senior High School. Iowa Central Community College offers dual enrollment courses to high schoolers virtually or in person at its campus off U.S. Route 169.
Fort Dodge Senior High School serves students in grades 9-12.
Iowa Central Community College is located on the south side of Fort Dodge.
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Music in Fort Dodge calls for a “Shellabration”
Getting involved in Fort Dodge often means putting on a show. The city is home to three independent theater organizations that recruit local talent for plays and musicals throughout the year. Civil War reenactors, a chain saw artist and a parade down Central Avenue are highlights of Frontier Days, a three-day celebration hosted by the museum. And what began as a partnership to restore the Oleson Park Bandshell has grown into Shellabration, Inc.: an all-volunteer board that organizes a namesake music event in July and the Downtown Country Jam in September. Cheering crowds and live acts replace traffic at the corner of Central Avenue and Ninth Street during each event.
Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
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On average, homes in Fort Dodge, IA sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Dodge, IA over the last 12 months is $119,000, down 47% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Updated 2- story home with modern touches. This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been remodeled to offer a fresh and inviting living space. The interior has been painted with a new coat of paint. The kitchen has been completely remodeled with modern updates. New flooring throughout the home, updated bathroom, completely refinished attic and huge fenced in backyard! Call Stephanie Bishop
Listed at $119,900, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is tucked away in the peaceful Isaac Walton neighborhood, offering a serene, wooded feel that makes you feel like you're miles from town. The spacious kitchen and comfortable living room provide a warm and welcoming layout, while a unique double-sided fireplace sits between the living and family rooms—adding both character and coziness.
2 story, 3 bdrms, and 2 bath with 1568 sq. feet! Beautiful oak flooring and trim with an updated bathroom. Shingles were replaced in 2020. Call Stephanie Bishop 515-227-8627 or Jim Kesterson 515-570-0672 for a private showing
Updated 2- story home with modern touches. This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been remodeled to offer a fresh and inviting living space. The interior has been painted with a new coat of paint. The kitchen has been completely remodeled with modern updates. New flooring throughout the home, updated bathroom, completely refinished attic and huge fenced in backyard! Call Stephanie Bishop
Listed at $119,900, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is tucked away in the peaceful Isaac Walton neighborhood, offering a serene, wooded feel that makes you feel like you're miles from town. The spacious kitchen and comfortable living room provide a warm and welcoming layout, while a unique double-sided fireplace sits between the living and family rooms—adding both character and coziness.
2 story, 3 bdrms, and 2 bath with 1568 sq. feet! Beautiful oak flooring and trim with an updated bathroom. Shingles were replaced in 2020. Call Stephanie Bishop 515-227-8627 or Jim Kesterson 515-570-0672 for a private showing
Welcome home to the brand new affordable multifamily community in Fort Dodge. District 29 offers you a comforting and relaxing place to come home to. With our spacious and inviting studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect layout to fit all your needs. Each apartment home has been created with your comfort in mind including air conditioning, balcony or patio,
Introducing 2nd Ave - Rowhomes, a brand new apartment community located in the heart of Fort Dodge, IA. These modern rowhomes are conveniently situated adjacent to downtown, offering residents easy access to a variety of great coffee shops within walking distance. Each unit features in-unit washer and dryers for added convenience, as well as on-site parking for residents. With great prices and a
This property at 818 4th Ave N features 5 bedrooms potentially six with the loft and 2 bathrooms within a total living space of 2,000 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for residents. The bathrooms are functional and equipped for daily use. Key amenities include cable readiness, heating, ceiling
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