Visit
Group and guided tours
Bring your group to the fort for a guided walk through frontier life and the sieges that nearly overran it. We tailor the visit to your interests and your schedule.
Closed for revitalization
Old Fort Madison is closed during the rebuild, except July 4 from noon to 4 pm after the Charlie Korschgen Parade, after the Rodeo Parade, and by appointment. Call 319-470-3642 to arrange a visit.
What a guided tour covers
A guide leads your group through the reconstructed fort and tells the story the way it unfolded: the founding in 1808 as the first United States military post on the Upper Mississippi, the poor siting at the base of a bluff, the early cannon fire that turned back an attack in 1809, and the War of 1812 sieges that ended with the garrison burning the post and escaping to the river in 1813. Along the way you will see the five-cornered plan, the blockhouses, and the barracks, and learn how about sixty soldiers lived and held the ground.
Tours run rain or shine during the season and last about an hour, though we can lengthen or shorten the visit to fit your day. Reenactment weekends are an especially good time to come, since living-history interpreters fill the fort.
Group size and rates
We welcome groups of all sizes, from a single van to a full motorcoach. Group rates depend on the size of your party and the kind of visit you want, so the easiest path is to call and tell us what you have in mind. We will confirm pricing, availability, and the best day and time for your group.
Who it suits
A good fit for many kinds of groups
Clubs and societies
History clubs, genealogy and heritage groups, and service organizations looking for a meaningful outing.
Travel and tour groups
Motorcoach tours and river cruise excursions passing through southeast Iowa along the Mississippi.
Families and reunions
Large family gatherings and reunions that want a shared activity with something for every age.
Workplaces and teams
Companies, churches, and community groups planning a half-day outing with a local-history focus.
Reserve your group's visit
Tell us your group size, preferred dates, and any special interests, and we will set up a guided tour that works for you. We recommend booking a few weeks ahead, especially for summer weekends.
Prefer to call? Reach us at 319-470-3642.