There are several things to do in Fort Dodge. This small town is picturesque and has a lot to offer. It has a vineyard and apple orchard, and a craft brewery. In addition, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy such as fishing, golfing, and hiking. These attractions make Fort Dodge a great place to visit for a weekend getaway.
Fort Dodge is a small but beautiful tourist destination
If you are looking for a small yet picturesque tourist destination, Fort Dodge, Iowa, may be the place for you. It is home to a variety of entertainment venues, outdoor recreation areas, and museums. The downtown area of Fort Dodge features outdoor markets, a downtown theater, and beautiful parks along the Des Moines River. You can also enjoy fine dining and live performances at one of the many venues.
Fort Dodge is also home to three local theater companies. The Hawkeye Community Theatre puts on six full-length plays a year, Comedia Musica Players puts on an annual musical, and Stage Door Productions offers theater training to students during the summer. The theater company also produces one small-cast play a year.
Visitors to Fort Dodge will find a town that is small in size, but boasts a rich history and vibrant economy. The city was originally founded in the 1850s and became part of the Iowa State University system. In the 19th century, Fort Dodge became a thriving mining town thanks to the large deposits of coal, gypsum, limestone, and clay.
It has a vineyard
Fort Dodge has a vineyard for those who want to enjoy local wine. The area is home to several wineries, including the Soldier Creek Winery. This vineyard has been in business for over 50 years and produces all of its own wine. The vineyard offers a relaxing atmosphere for those who would like to sample their wines. The vineyard is located on 6.5 acres, and the winery also offers several other amenities, including hunting and fishing. If you are into fishing, you can try your luck on the Des Moines River, where you can also catch bass and catfish. The winery is also a great spot to enjoy some hunting and bird-watching.
Soldier Creek Winery is a small family-run vineyard located in northwest Iowa soybean fields. The tasting room is open Friday and Saturday nights from 3 to 8 p.m. The winery sells its wines in Fort Dodge, Webster City, and Des Moines. The winery also hosts free live music on Friday evenings.
It has an apple orchard
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon in Fort Dodge, the area has an apple orchard you’re sure to enjoy. Apples on the Avenue is a family-run orchard that’s dedicated to providing the authentic farm experience. They provide tools like bags and picking poles, and you can choose a variety of apples to take home. Some are perfect for eating fresh, while others are perfect for baking or making applesauce or apple butter.
The community orchard is also home to an apple cafe. There, you can enjoy homemade fudge, apple pies and cider, and visit the orchard’s gift shop for unique home décor and knick-knacks. You can also purchase fresh apples, or try the famous Maple Dip.
The apple orchard in Fort Dodge was started by a doctor who was interested in horticulture. He had visited a professor of horticulture from Minnesota who recommended that he plant some apple trees on his land. After a short period of time, Dr. Otto began giving his patients fresh apples to eat, and after the trees started to produce fruit, he turned his hobby into a business, called Community Orchard. The orchard now employs 24 people in one location.
It has a craft brewery
For craft beer lovers, Fort Dodge has many great options. Fort Dodge Brewing Company has an extensive beer selection and a laid back atmosphere. They even have live music and a great staff. They’re also a great place to socialize and enjoy great beer. You can find the newest beers here, too.
It has a splash pad
Fort Dodge, Iowa, has a splash pad that is perfect for families. This outdoor recreation area is located in Oleson Park and is open for the summer season. It features a zero-depth swimming pool, play equipment for kids, and a picnic area. The splash pad is open to the public 7 days a week, weather permitting.
A splash pad can bring families to the city and bridge the gap between Legacy Plaza and Main Street. It is also a great asset to the park system, as splash pads typically use 50,000 gallons of water per day. And some splash pads are designed with timers, so that the water automatically cycles off after a certain amount of time.
Fort Dodge is home to a number of parks and recreation areas, including a 700-acre OHV park, several fishing lakes, and a sports complex. It also features a splash pad in Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center, complete with a kiddie pool, slides, and a lazy river. In addition to these outdoor activities, the Fort Dodge area features a plethora of family-owned shops and boutiques. It is also home to Unity Point Health, which provides quality healthcare for families.
Another outdoor activity for families is a nature trail. Fort Dodge’s Nature Trail runs about three miles, and it’s an excellent place for excercise and burn calories. Beware, however, that this popular recreation area has been the scene of violent incidents like muggings, assaults, and stabbings. Therefore, you should consider carrying pepper spray to protect yourself and your family in case of a potential incident.
It has a restaurant
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, there are several places to find delicious and affordable meals. If you love Mexican food, the town is home to many different Taco Bell restaurants. You can choose to dine inside or order to go from one of the many drive-through windows. If you’re looking for a quick meal, you can find something in Fort Dodge’s downtown area.
It has a sports complex
Fort Dodge, Iowa, has a sports complex known as Rogers Park. The park is named for a prominent businessman who donated 13 acres of land to the city. The complex features a larger parking lot, three additional softball diamonds, and a dedicated Veterans Field. Today, it covers 100 acres and has 11 baseball/softball fields. It is the home of the Fort Dodge Softball team and the St. Edmond baseball and softball teams.
The Rogers Sports Complex opened in 1968. Its founders, Harlan and Hazel Rogers, donated 100 acres of land for the project. Today, the stadium is home to several local softball and baseball teams, as well as several concerts and events. Recently, it was the site of the Shellabration 2014 music festival.