Fort Dodge, Iowa | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Fort Dodge is a small but hardworking north central Iowa city with a steady healthcare presence, short commutes, and an affordable lifestyle that appeals to travel nurses looking for a quieter assignment with practical day to day living.

🍊 Cost of Living in Fort Dodge

• Overall cost of living is well below the U.S. average, especially for housing and utilities

• Typical monthly rent ranges from $700 to $1,100 depending on size and furnishings

• Housing is more affordable here than in Des Moines or Ames, with fewer competitive shortages

Summary: Fort Dodge is a budget friendly option for travelers who want to save money during a 13 week assignment while keeping commute times short.

🌤️ Weather by Month

Fort Dodge experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	27°F	10°F	Cold, snowy, icy roads ❄️
February	31°F	14°F	Still wintery with occasional thaws
March	45°F	27°F	Unpredictable, mix of snow and rain 🌬️
April	59°F	39°F	Spring begins, breezy and mild
May	71°F	50°F	Pleasant and greener 🌱
June	81°F	60°F	Warm, longer daylight
July	84°F	64°F	Warm and humid ☀️
August	82°F	62°F	Hot days, cooler nights
September	75°F	53°F	Comfortable and crisp 🍂
October	61°F	41°F	Cool fall weather
November	44°F	28°F	Chilly with early snow chances
December	31°F	16°F	Cold and quiet ❄️

🏡 Furnished Housing Options

1. Lakeside Apartments – One and two bedroom furnished units with parking, on site laundry, and utilities commonly included.

2. Brady Street Lofts – Downtown style furnished apartments with Wi Fi, modern interiors, and walkable access to local dining.

3. Oak Ridge Apartments – Furnished apartment options with larger floor plans, parking, and flexible lease terms.

Tip: Start housing outreach early in winter months when availability tightens due to fewer move outs.

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

1. AmericaInn by Wyndham Fort Dodge – Suites with kitchenettes and convenient access to major roads and the hospital.

2. Best Western Plus Fort Dodge – Long stay friendly rooms with microwaves, refrigerators, and weekly rate options.

3. Super 8 by Wyndham Fort Dodge – Budget friendly extended stays with in room mini kitchens and easy parking.

Tip: Always ask about travel nurse or corporate rates when booking longer than two weeks.

🚐 RV Parks & Campgrounds

1. Lakeside Casino RV Park – Full hookups, paved pads, and long term options close to town.

2. Gypsum City OHV Park Campground – Electric hookups with seasonal availability and outdoor recreation nearby.

Tip: Confirm monthly availability, winter hookups, and Wi Fi reliability before committing.

🎉 Things to Do

• Walk or bike the Fort Dodge River Greenbelt Trail

• Visit Blanden Memorial Art Museum after a shift

• Relax at local coffee shops and casual diners downtown

• Spend downtime at Kennedy Memorial Park

• Catch community events at the Fort Frenzy entertainment complex

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

• Clear Lake, IA about 1.5 hours for lake views and small town charm

• Des Moines, IA about 1.5 hours for shopping, dining, and events

• Okoboji Lakes, IA about 2.5 hours for summer recreation

• Mason City, IA about 1.25 hours for architecture and museums

⏳ Summary

Fort Dodge is a practical assignment choice for travel healthcare professionals who value affordability, short commutes, and a slower pace of life.

✓ Low cost of living with manageable rent

✓ Easy commuting and minimal traffic

✓ Quiet environment ideal for focused assignments

✓ Plan ahead for winter weather and seasonal housing availability

Know someone who would love to travel here? Send them my way! You'll receive an $800 bonus and they'll get an extra $200.

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Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.