Freight trains and river cruises pass through this historic southeast Iowa city
River and railroad traffic were the historical building blocks of Fort Madison, with the two modes still converging at the city's signature double-decker swing-span bridge that traverses the Mississippi River and the Illinois-Iowa state line. “It’s a major east-west crossing for Burlington Northern Santa Fe, so we get about 85 trains a day,” says Carrie Fraise, a longtime local and co-owner of Fraise Auction & Real Estate. “We’re a big train town for sure.” Today, the bridge opens for shipping barges and river cruises that stop into the city to visit a replica fort from the War of 1812 or the Sheaffer Pen Museum. Annual events draw from deep cultural roots, while downtown architecture harkens back to earlier days – though the city seeks to enhance its modern visitor experience and capitalize on its riverfront location.
Fort Madison is home to around 11,000 people.
The riverfront parks of Fort Madison provide waterfront green space to gather and enjoy nature.
1/2
Fort Madison’s “park-to-park" historic homes and renovated options through the decades
The median home price in Fort Madison is around $120,000, far below the national median and similar to neighboring cities like Burlington and Keokuk. City green spaces frame the Park-to-Park Residential Historic District, a collection of Victorian-era home styles ranging from Italianate to Tudor Revival. “Because we're on the river, it was heavily influenced by New Orleans, so there’s quite a lot of wrought iron,” Fraise says. Early-1900s bungalows and American Foursquares, midcentury ranch-style homes and duplexes with two-car garages dominate the remaining market. The city has also revitalized its rental pool by reopening storefront apartments and repurposing unused buildings. “A friend of mine owns what was a high school built in 1920,” Fraise says. “It was converted to apartments, but they left the hallways and the lockers in place, and the theater is still in the center.”
Fort Madison has many large ornate homes of various styles in the center of town.
Smaller home styles in Fort Madison include bungalows and ranches.
1/2
Riverview Park views, Rodeo Park trails and historic sites
The Fort Madison Bridge may open for riverboats and barges, but kayaks also pass right underneath its metal beams. Nearly 200 slips were recently added to Fort Madison Marina as part of an ongoing riverfront renovation that also includes Riverview Park. Baxter Sports Complex, the Fort Madison Family YMCA and block-long city parks are farther inland. “Our original gazebo has been redone in Old Settler’s Park, and the bandstand in Central Park has also been updated,” Fraise says. Forests open up to several playgrounds, shelters with seating, disc golf courses and campgrounds at Rodeo Park.
The Fort Madison Bridge is a unique double-decker design that allows for car and train traffic at the same time.
Baxter Sports Complex plays host to youth soccer games during the warmer months.
1/2
The Fort Madison Tri-State Rodeo draws thousands of competitors and spectators annually.
Cultural celebrations from the Tri-State Rodeo to the Mexican Fiesta
RVs roll into Rodeo Park on Labor Day Weekend as cowboys from across the region gear up for events from bull riding to barrel racing. The Tri-State Rodeo has been a Fort Madison staple since 1947 and remains one of the top rodeos in the PRCA Great Lakes Circuit. “We get voted as the cowboys' favorite all the time because of all the stuff that the community does for them when they’re in town and how welcoming everyone is,” Fraise says. Meanwhile, the Mexican Fiesta has marked Mexican Independence Day in Fort Madison for over 100 years. The event features folk dance performances, vendors and a parade honoring the local Hispanic community that helped build the railroad system over a century ago.
Fort Madison employers and passenger rail
Local manufacturing ranges from wind turbine blades to Scotts Miracle-Gro. Other big employers include the Fort Madison campus of Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center and the Iowa State Penitentiary. The latter is located north of the town center, though the wall from the original 1839 facility still stands. “The state hasn’t decided what to do about it yet, but occasionally they open it for tours,” Fraise says. The Southwest Chief Amtrak line also runs through Fort Madison on its path from LA to Chicago. “Burlington has an airport with flights to Chicago and St. Louis, and you can connect with anything from there,” Fraise says. “The next closest airport is Cedar Rapids, which is about 90 minutes away.”
Several large manufacturing companies have campuses near Fort Madison, giving ample employment opportunity.
Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison is an accessible hospital for the region.
1/2
Fort Madison’s historic downtown digs, riverfront breweries and local grocery options
Avenue G still houses shops and restaurants from original early-1900s storefronts. Downtown dives are paired with repurposed riverfront breweries and a handful of chains. Hy-Vee, Fareway Meat & Grocery and Aldi have locations here, while a Walmart is within 20 miles in either direction. “You can kinda get what you need in town, but it’s not a big deal to go to Burlington or Keokuk," Fraise says.
Downtown Fort Madison's buildings all have unique charm and character.
Several grocery stores, including Aldi and Fareway, are available to Fort Madison residents.
1/2
Expansions and consolidations in Fort Madison’s school districts
The Fort Madison Community School District extends to surrounding rural areas and scores a C from Niche. “It's a huge district geographically, and a ton of kids get bused in,” Fraise says. “If you live in town, you walk to wherever the closest park is and that’s where the buses pick up.” The district recently retired two elementary schools; prekindergarten through sixth grade now attend the newly renovated Fort Madison Elementary School, while Fort Madison Junior/Senior High School serves Grades 7 through 12. A handful of students on the southwest end of town are zoned for Central Lee Community School District, which scores a B. Local parishes support Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, a system of private, tuition-based options located in Fort Madison and nearby West Point.
Fort Madison Elementary School serves students in grades K-6.
Fort Madison Junior & Senior High School serves students in grades 7-12.
1/2
Fort Madison’s crime trends and tornado history
FBI statistics show that violent crime in Fort Madison dropped sharply from 2021 through 2023, while property crime has been on a downward trend since 2017. Along with hot, humid summers and snowy winters, Fort Madison residents keep an eye on tornado reports for the region. A category EF-2 event touched down outside Fort Madison in the spring of 2024, damaging one home and the city’s pickleball courts. Lee County tests its outdoor warning sirens monthly and participates in Iowa’s Severe Weather Awareness Week each March.
Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Megan Burgmeier Pierce,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Fort Madison, IA sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Madison, IA over the last 12 months is $129,000, up 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers approximately 900 sq. ft. of comfortable, thoughtfully designed living space. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a welcoming space for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of no steps—inside or outside—to access the home, along with an attached 2-car garage for parking, storage, and
Welcome home to this well-maintained ranch offering comfortable living space and plenty of room to enjoy both inside and out. The main level features generously sized bedrooms, a functional kitchen where all appliances stay, vaulted ceilings and updated bathroom. The full walk-out basement adds even more living potential with a partially finished area, a convenient laundry room, and a cozy
Welcome home to this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo featuring a 2-car garage. This property offers easy accessibility and comfortable one-level living. The spacious primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and a private en-suite bathroom, providing a comfortable retreat at the end of the day. The kitchen comes complete with all appliances, making the move-in process that much easier. The
This amazing 3,084 sq. ft. home offers an incredible amount of space, with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and plenty of room to spread out. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the beautiful character throughout, including hardwood floors, gorgeous pocket doors, detailed trim, and large windows that fill the home with natural light. The spacious living room features a wood-burning
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Victorian home, but worried about the upkeep, this is the home for you! This home has been extensively remodeled to give you the best of both worlds: the warmth and craftsmanship of a historic property, paired with the comfort and reliability of a modern home. With all-new windows and separate HVAC systems for each level, you’ll enjoy consistent comfort
Step into timeless charm with this beautifully preserved 2-story Victorian featuring 4 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. This home boasts detailed woodwork, hardwood floors, and an inviting front porch. The spacious living, family, and dining rooms are accented by original pocket and swing doors, a built-in cabinet, and a striking stained-glass window, offering flexible living and entertaining spaces. The
Opportunities like this don't come along often! This 40± acres on the outskirts of Fort Madison, Iowa offers the rare combination of seclusion, incredible building potential, mature hardwood timber, and recreational opportunities, all while being just minutes from town. A long, private driveway leads you back into the property, creating a secluded setting that feels a world away from the
Town: Ft. MadisonCounty: LeeState: IATaxes: $ 1,724Terms: Cash, Payable at ClosingPossession: Upon ClosingCRP Acres: 19.07CRP Description: 19.07 acres enrolled in 2 contracts totaling $3,725/yr with 14.5 acres expiring 9/2028 and with 4.6 acres expiring 9/2030 (Lee Co. FSA)FSA Description: No Data (Lee County FSA)CSR Description: CSR2 – 36.3 (Surety
This property is an excellent investment opportunity for fix and flip, rental, or make it your own and enjoy quick equity. Repairs are needed, but the potential is there.
Country Acreage & Farmhouse awaits with under 2 acres of privacy! Located just outside of Sawyer, IA, this 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom home checks off many boxes. Gorgeous hardwood flooring, mostly newer vinyl windows, over 1800 square feet of truly usable living space, charming built ins, main floor laundry & more! Check out the detached garage that boasts a newer metal roof, a deck to watch the
Modern, spacious, and move-in ready! Built in 2019, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath split foyer offers an open floor plan, stylish finishes, and plenty of functional living space. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, with main-level laundry for added convenience. Outside, enjoy a fenced backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining, plus an attached
Charming story-and-a-half home blends classic character with everyday comfort across nearly 1,200 square feet. The inviting four-season room offers a perfect spot for morning coffee, a cozy reading nook, creating a cheerful transition to the main living areas. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtful layout that makes the most of every inch, pairing warm, welcoming spaces with practical storage and
For Rent | 2 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,200 Sq Ft | Fort Madison, IowaWelcome home to bright, easy living in the heart of Fort Madison. This spacious 1,200 square foot apartment offers room to breathe, stretch, and settle in.Located directly across from Old Settlers Park, your front view is green space and open sky instead of parking lots. Morning light pours in through large double pane
We have two lovely furnished apartments in this recently renovated up-down duplex. Our historic 1841 gable-front cottage is located near historic downtown Fort Madison. Both the downstairs and upstairs furnished units feature wonderful views of Fort Madison's Central Park, dedicated off-street parking, and onsite laundry. The property features a recently restored porch with Victorian accents,
Month to Month Lease, $695 deposit, Available Now. Close to downtown Fort Madison.2 BR, 1 BA, Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave, Laundry facilities available, no smoking, NO PETS, $695 rent, $695 deposit, month to month rent, water & trash paid.
DESCRIPTION FORT MADISON, IOWA APARTMENT VIDEO WALK THROUGH: $550/mo 2 Bedroom/1 Bath Appliances Provided: Refrigerator Stove/Oven Window Air Onsite Washer/Dryer Tenant Provides Electric Water/Trash and heat are included Low cost wireless internet is available 2nd Floor Apartment, Optional Section 8 Coverage Apply Here:
FORT MADISON, IOWA APARTMENT VIDEO WALK THROUGH: $725/mo 3 Bedroom/1 Bath Appliances Provided: Refrigerator Stove/Oven Window Air River View Shared Laundry Tenant Provides Electric Water and Heat Provided Low Cost Wireless Internet Available 1st Floor Apartment, Optional Section 8 Coverage Apply Here: $725/mo,
RECENTLY REMODELED 2 BR FORT MADISON, IOWA APARTMENT VIDEO WALK THROUGH: $600/mo 2 Bedroom/1 Bath Appliances Provided: Refrigerator Stove/Oven Central Air Onsite Washer/Dryer Tenant Provides Electric Heat and Water/Trash is Included Low Cost wireless internet available 1st Floor Apartment, Optional Section 8 Coverage Apply
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
