In August 2023, Valerie Garcia of @thosegarciagirls and her family spent a weekend discovering all Keokuk, Fort Madison & Montrose has to offer. “Looking for a family friendly getaway full of flower fields, train spotting next to beautiful river views, as well as plenty of family fun? You’ll find it all in Keokuk, Fort Madison and Montrose, Iowa,” she said. Replicate her trip with three of Iowa’s most underrated hidden gems.
Day One
Start your weekend getaway in Fort Madison with captivating train views at the historic Santa Fe Depot (now the Fort Madison Amtrak Station), and learn more about its history at the North Lee County Historical Society Museum.
Then, head to Harvestville Farm for endless family fun, including a Bounce Corral, giant yard games, tire swings, chalk wagon, duck races and more. Be sure to check out their calendar for the Sunflower Festival (date to be determined by Mother Nature) and their popular farm-to-table dinners prepared by local award-winning chefs.
Speaking of farm to table, take a short detour to Hinterland Dairy where you can tour the facility and enjoy tasty snacks such as a wide variety of cheese blocks, cheese curds and ice cream.
For dinner, head to Montrose, less than 20 minutes from Fort Madison, to enjoy delicious smoked eats and live music at Fat Jimmy’s Smokehouse. Finish the night with drinks at Green Frog Distillery where your taste buds will go on a journey through artisanal spirits. While you’re in the area, be sure to also visit the Montrose Heritage Museum and admire the sights along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.
Unwind at the award-winning Kingsley Inn, conveniently located in downtown Fort Madison with scenic views of the Mississippi River. It’s also within walking distance of exciting activities and shops like The Funky Cowgirl and Under the Sun.
Day Two
Start your day with a delicious coffee from Swed and Company Coffee – the seasonal peach iced latte should definitely be on your list to try.
Then, make the 30-minute drive to Keokuk to visit the Keokuk National Cemetery, which is recognized as one of the nation’s original places of burial and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dive into more area history at the Hamilton Dam Museum, which shares the story of the 1913 powerplant’s construction. Or the step inside the Riverboat Museum that’s housed inside a 1927 paddle boat to learn everything there is to know about river transportation.
Then enjoy the sights from the Keokuk Observation Deck, Keokuk’s 1800s swing span bridge that overlook Lock and Dam 19. It’s also a great place to admire bald eagles in flight or diving for fish.
If you’re an art enthusiast, be sure to also stop by The Lost Canvas, which boasts a stunning art gallery alongside delicious drinks and baked goods.
