Discover Lee County: History, Nature and Water

Lee County offers a range of reasons to visit: historic sites and museums are just as much a focus as natural areas and water activities. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether you are particularly interested in cultural history, landscapes and wildlife watching, or activities on the water. The specific highlights vary from place to place.

History and Culture in Fort Madison

Old Fort Madison is a reconstructed living history site on the banks of the Mississippi River. The complex includes a pentagonal layout, blockhouses and barracks. Its offerings include tours, reenactments and educational programs; historical interpretation explains how the soldiers lived there and defended the fort. Old Fort Madison is currently closed for revitalization. Until it reopens to the public, visits are possible by appointment; additional visiting hours are available on July 4 after the Charlie Korschgen Parade, from 12 to 4 p.m., and after the Rodeo Parade, from 12 to 5 p.m. Check its visitor status before your trip.

Galland School was the first school in the region that is now Iowa. Another cultural history destination is the Historic Santa Fe Depot Complex. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only Mission-style depot in Iowa. The complex’s Division Freight Office houses a local history museum. Its exhibits cover Old Fort Madison, Native Americans, the Tri-State Rodeo and military service. The North Lee County Historical Society and the Fort Madison Amtrak ticket office are also located in the complex.

Nature, Landscapes and Water

Heron Bend is a Lee County Conservation nature preserve covering 322 acres. It lies between Fort Madison and Montrose and includes a nature center. Trails pass through prairies, wetlands and wooded areas. Heron Bend also provides access to the Mississippi River for boaters and anglers. Check the latest information about the area before your visit.

Shimek State Forest is in southeastern Iowa, in Lee and Van Buren counties. Eagle Watch Way is a dedicated destination for observing bald eagles: the route runs from Keokuk to Montrose, and eagles can be observed in their natural habitat there on Saturdays and Sundays. The trail therefore offers a clear time-specific focus for wildlife watching, while Heron Bend has trails through a variety of landscapes and access to the river.

There are also a variety of options on the water. At Lake Cooper River Run, you can jet ski, go tubing and water-skiing, and kayak through oxbow lakes. These activities offer practical ideas if water sports are an important part of your trip planning.

Keokuk and Montrose: River History and Regional Themes

The George M. Verity River Museum is located in Victory Park on the riverfront in Keokuk. Keokuk National Cemetery is one of the 12 original national cemeteries designated by the U.S. Congress. The history of water engineering is also a notable theme here: construction of U.S. Lock and Dam #19 began in 1910. When completed in 1913, it was the world’s largest electricity-generating plant.

The Iowa section of the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail begins in Montrose. The Pioneer Trail Memorial Pavilion in Linger Longer Park features exhibits about Poor Camp, Nauvoo and the Mormons’ journey to Utah. These themes offer a different perspective on the region’s history than the museum and military history of Fort Madison.

Plan Events and Travel

Fort Madison hosts the Mexican Fiesta every year; it has been part of the local community for more than 90 years. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the event dates in advance. For rail travel, the Southwest Chief connects Chicago and Los Angeles and stops twice daily at Fort Madison’s historic 1910 Santa Fe Depot. Since schedules can change, check the service before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Keokuk, Fort Madison, Osceola County, Marion County, Lucas County, Kossuth County, Howard County, Palo Alto County

For the broader travel overview: Iowa.