Things To Do

The Blanden Art Museum has a permanent collection which includes modern American & European paintings, African sculptures, glassworks and 16th-20th century American, European & Japanese prints.  The Blanden also has adult and youth classes, art education classes, meet & greet artist events and family fun activities.

Newly completed in December 2018 the largest art mural in Iowa, the 110-foot tall Fort Dodge Grain Silo Mural was created by international artist, Guido Van Helten.  This 360-degree concrete mural depicts local residents who are part of the industrial and cultural fabric of the community.  Tying these portraits together are pieces of Fort Dodge pottery showcased at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village.  The artist's commitment will warrant a walk around the grain silos.

Here is the link to the artist's page on the project-https://www.guidovanhelten.com/projects/fortdodge-ia.

The Fort Museum is housed in a stockade fort and pioneer main street.  Buildings and corresponding collections include a family cabin, church, one room school house, cabinet shop, land office, general store, drug store, jail, print shop, blacksmith shop, livery stable, pottery building and tinsmith shop. Other collections included are prehistoric, military, Native American, Civil War, period furniture and early Fort Dodge artifacts. The only remaining cabin from the fort which established Fort Dodge is dedicated to Lewis A. Armistead, a confederate general killed at Pickett's Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg.  Prior to joining the confederacy, Armistead served as Quartermaster at Fort Dodge.  Another special exhibit building tells the story of the Cardiff Giant, one of the biggest hoaxes from the 19th century which started from gypsum mined near Fort Dodge.

Just Completed in April 2016! This is the site of the Webster County Freedom Rock on which artist Ray "Bubba" Sorenson II painted patriotic scenes on the 25,000 pound boulder.  Webster County's Freedom Rock will be specific to this county depicting scenes specific to this county's veterans.   

The Freedom Rock Trailhead will also, include an informational trail kiosk, two flagpoles and parking.  The site will have landscaping done and a paved parking area developed in the summer of 2016

One of Fort Dodge distinguished citizens, Karl L. King's impressive career as a bandmaster, prolific composer and musician made him a legend in his own lifetime. Everyone has heard his Barnum and Bailey's Favorite which, along with the other 200 marches he composed, assured him the world-wide status of March King along with John Philip Sousa and Henry Fillmore. 

Anyone wishing to visit the Karl King office should contact Nancy Olson at (712) 297-8193 or write to Karl L. King Municipal Band Room 146, Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 to make arrangements.

The Oak Hill District, a four block district placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1977. The district consists of 15 homes which together reflect the changing architectural styles of the post Civil War period, 1870-1910, and the prosperity and optimism which dominated in Fort Dodge during its golden era. The styles of homes in the district include French Second Empire, East Lake, Queen Anne, Craftsman, Jacobethean Revival, and Prairie, a virtual showcase of the architectural evolution of that period. Each family sought to outshine their neighbors in size, quality and elegance of their home, reflecting on the local level the “conspicuous consumption” ethic of America’s “Gilded Age.”  The district, which was originally the southeastern edge of the city, included the homes of the community’s business leaders and leading citizens. Among its residents were a U.S. senator, an inspector for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Iowa’s state printer, the director of the U.S. Mint, the president of U.S. Gypsum Company, the publisher of the local newspaper, and most of the city’s early bankers and entrepreneurs.

The Ringland Smeltzer House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is an example of Jacobethan Revival style. This style achieved popularity between 1895 and 1920 but is uncommon in Iowa. The house is the work of noted Chicago architect, Solon Spencer Beman. 

The Ringland-Smeltzer family played a significant role both economically and culturally in the history and development of both Fort Dodge and North Central Iowa from the very first years of settlement in the 1850s until the end of the twentieth century and the death of Ann Smeltzer, the last member of the family. The house epitomizes the industry and success of its owners and the Fort Dodge community. The builder of the home, George Ringland, was an entrepreneur whose patent for the improvement of plaster contributed to the growth of the gypsum industry, changed the nature of building construction and was one of the founders of the U.S. Gypsum Company.  The Ringland-Smeltzer family were deeply involved in the arts. The family’s art acquisitions eventually became the basis for the Blanden Art Museum’s permanent collection. With the death of Ann Smeltzer the property came under the control of the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust which maintains the home as a house museum. It stands today as a reminder of a period in which Fort Dodge flourished and the contributions that the Ringland-Smeltzer family made.

Veterans Memorial Park overlooks Badger Lake and includes memorials, artwork and natural amphlitheatre.

The Vincent House was built in 1872 by one of the first pioneer families in Fort Dodge, James and Adeline Swain. The Swains worked in the wholesale and retail drug business. During the time that the Swains lived in the house, Adeline dedicated most of her time to educating women.  Adeline was also the first woman in Iowa to lead the women's rights movement, which furthered the rights of women's suffrage.  The spiritualist movement became popular and caught the attention of the Swains. This movement was believed to communicate with the dead and equality across humanity, especially in gender. The Swains held séances in the third floor room which is considered the ballroom.  Adeline was elected state secretary in 1874 and was on the Greenback political ticket.

Catherine Vincent bought the home and moved into it in October 17, 1879.  Members of this family would believe and rally for the equal rights of women. They were also interested in the arts and would provide pieces to the Blanden Art Museum’s permanent collection. On April 23rd, 1973, the Vincent House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The Webster County Geneological Society will assist individuals with their geneological research in person or handle requests completely for a fee.

This organization preserves historical documents and it's volunteers have researched various topics of importance in the history of Fort Dodge. It is a volunteer organization and is only open when volunteers are available.

Displays include the largest Boy Scouts of America Collection in Iowa, military, canning & preserving, schools, wash day, hair dryers, country store, millenary, farm items, saws, old post offices, printing press, hospital, medical suppies, rock displays, kitchen items, wedding dresses, railroad, dental, eye exam equipment, area artists, cameras, 4-H, baby/youth, toys, fire equipment, photo studios, local businesses. Memorabilia are from Webster County churches, schools, businessesand individuals.   Some items are from the Gypsum Mills including, pictures, tiles, and bricks. 

The museum has no steps to navigate and has wheel chairs and walkers on site.  Groups are welcome!