Fun Things to Do in Fort Dodge: A Passport

We’ve been visiting Fort Dodge, Iowa for a couple years now and we know how many great places there are to explore, so we thought it was only right to put together a Passport for you to follow to make the most out of your visit! There are so many things to do in Fort Dodge that we challenge you to check off each stop on the passport! Make sure to snag the FREE download at the end of the post to make the most of your trip!

We’d like to thank Fort Dodge Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Brookstone Inn & Suites, and Community Orchard who hosted portions of our trip to Fort Dodge. Regardless, all thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

Studio Fusion

Looking for great fun, year round? Studio Fusion is the place to stop! Paint your pottery, fuse glass into different creations, or attend one of their painting classes! It’s a great way to spend a couple hours and the staff and owner are super helpful!

Painted Silos

No matter time the year that you visit Fort Dodge, a stop by the Painted Silos is a must. Painted by Guido Van Helten, this mural is larger than life and the detail is unreal! Pictures don’t even really do it justice. Take time to walk around and examine the entire thing. Take it in close and from further away!

Plan a Day Trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa

Dariette

Ice cream is always a must for me and the Dariette in Fort Dodge is one of our favorites! Flavored, homemade soft serve along with various extra treats like sundaes & whips make for a sweet stop! And keep an eye on the size because a small is LARGE!

Webster County Freedom Rock

Finding the Freedom Rocks in each community that we visit is a must for us. The detail of the murals depicts something close to the home county and we love the nod to Veterans which is what makes this a must-see while looking for things to do in Fort Dodge.

Local Breweries

Fort Dodge offers 2 different local breweries and we love them both! Shiny Top Brewing offers home brewed beers along with delicious pizza while River Hops Brewing offers a super relaxed and casual atmosphere with tables, board games, and live music available. If you’re looking for a microbrewery with supper, head to Shiny Top. If you’re looking for a great place to grab a nightcap, head to River Hops. You can’t go wrong with either!

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Veterans Memorial Park & Children’s Forest

This park offers something for kids and adults. On one side you’ll find Veterans Memorial Park with an extensive Veterans Memorial. It not only pays honor to Veterans as a whole, but also the heroes of Webster County. The other side of the park is a fun walk to view the Dr. Seuss sculptures that kids will enjoy! They also offer picnic tables and restrooms, etc.

Fort Museum

History lovers will enjoy visiting the Fort Museum to learn about the importance of Fort Dodge to the expansion of the United States and also Civil War!

Gypsum City OHV Park

If your family is in to riding ATV’s, UTV’s, or dirt bikes, you’ll love Gypsum City OHV Park! It has trails for each of these that you can enjoy. Pick a trail that is steeper, full of twists and turns, or pick one that is more of a ride in the prairie! It’s a great way to spend several hours in your machine!

Fort Frenzy

Fort Dodge is great for family fun and Fort Frenzy is at the top of the list of places to find it! Indoor activities like an arcade and mini bowling and outdoor activities like mini golf & go-karts is just the start! Check it out!

Public Art

Fort Dodge is not lacking for public art. From the brand new “Floyd of Rosedale” sculpture to a historical mural and other public sculptures, you can enjoy them all just by driving around town, especially in the downtown district.

Community Orchard

Another great stop for kids and adults alike is Community Orchard! Not only do they have an extensive gift shop and market but also “The Back 40” where kids can enjoy all sorts of fun activities like a jumping pillow, large tile slide, goats, and trikes (in 2 different sizes) and more! Make sure to grab some apple cider, fresh apples, and caramel apples for sure!

Midwest Weekend Getaways

Make it An Overnight Stay

With so many great things to do in Fort Dodge, why not make it an overnight (or two) stay. Book a room at the Brookstone Inn & Suites. With it’s spacious rooms, hot breakfast, fitness center, and more you’ll have a great trip.

On our recent trip, we thoroughly enjoyed our room with extra high ceilings, plenty of places to put things, and a large bathroom! The kiddos will enjoy the pool and they even offer board games to play with your family! The Brookstone Staff is super helpful and will go above and beyond to make sure your stay is enjoyable. Plus, they offer Stay & Play packages with Fort Frenzy next door or Stay & Golf packages with nearby golf courses! It’s a great way to spend some time!

11 Fun Things to Do in Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge is not lacking in fun things to do and we think you’ll enjoy checking all of them off your Passport! So, make sure to download it and plan your trip to Fort Dodge today! And if you need help planning, make sure to reach out to the Fort Dodge Convention & Visitors Bureau. They are great people who are always willing to help!