Fort Madison, Iowa | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Fort Madison, IA

Perched along the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa, Fort Madison is a historic river town known for its scenic beauty, rich heritage, and welcoming community. With a cost of living well below the national average, it's an ideal destination for travel nurses and professionals seeking affordability without sacrificing charm.

💰 Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: Fort Madison scores 67.2, significantly lower than the U.S. average of 100, indicating a more affordable lifestyle. BestPlaces

• Average Rent: Approximately $500/month for a one-bedroom apartment, making housing costs about 73% lower than the national average. Zillow

• Utilities: Around $129/month, about 8% lower than the national average. 

🌤️ Weather by Month

Fort Madison experiences four distinct seasons, offering a variety of weather throughout the year.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	34°F	18°F	❄️ Cold and snowy.
February	38°F	22°F	🌨️ Chilly with occasional snow.
March	50°F	32°F	🌷 Beginning of spring thaw.
April	63°F	44°F	🌸 Mild and breezy.
May	73°F	54°F	☀️ Warm and blooming.
June	82°F	63°F	🌞 Warm and pleasant.
July	85°F	68°F	☀️ Hottest month; ideal for outdoor activities.
August	84°F	66°F	🌤️ Warm with occasional rain.
September	77°F	57°F	🍁 Cooling down; start of fall colors.
October	65°F	45°F	🎃 Crisp and colorful.
November	50°F	34°F	🌫️ Cooler with potential early snow.
December	37°F	22°F	❄️ Cold and snowy.

🏡 Furnished Housing Options

🛏️ 1-Bedroom Options

• Downtown Fort Madison Apartments: Furnished one-bedroom units in historic buildings, offering modern amenities. 

• Airbnb Monthly Rentals: Fully furnished rentals with kitchens and Wi-Fi, suitable for month-long stays. Airbnb

🛏️ 2-Bedroom Options

• Furnished Finder Listings: Various furnished two-bedroom apartments tailored for healthcare workers. Travel Iowa

• Zillow Furnished Apartments: Search for furnished two-bedroom apartments in Fort Madison. fortmadison-ia.com+5Apartments.com+5Good Sam+5

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

• Cobblestone Inn & Suites – Fort Madison: Offers spacious suites with full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and is pet-friendly. 

• Super 8 by Wyndham Fort Madison: Provides extended-stay accommodations with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. 

• Quality Inn & Suites Fort Madison near Hwy 61: Features comfortable rooms with amenities like an indoor pool and free breakfast. Hotels.com

🚐 RV Parks

• Fort Madison City Campground: Located near the Tri-State Rodeo Arena, offering electric and primitive sites, paved trails, and open areas. Travel Iowa

• Wever RV Park: Situated just 10 minutes from Fort Madison, providing full hookups and free Wi-Fi. weverrvpark.com

• Hickory Haven Campground: A family-owned campground located in Keokuk, offering shaded sites and modern amenities. hickoryhavencampgroundkeokuk.com+1Choice Hotels+1

🎉 Fun Things to Do in Fort Madison

• Old Fort Madison: Explore a reconstructed 1808 military fort along the Mississippi River. Travel Iowa+1Alamy+1

• North Lee County Historical Society: Visit museums showcasing the area's rich history. Apartments.com+2Apartments.com+2Zillow+2

• Sheaffer Pen Museum: Discover the legacy of the Sheaffer Pen Company and its impact on writing instruments. Tripadvisor+1Tripadvisor+1

• Riverview Park: Enjoy scenic views, walking trails, and picnic areas along the Mississippi River. 

• Downtown Fort Madison: Stroll through historic downtown, featuring unique shops, restaurants, and cultural events. 

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

• Nauvoo, IL: Approximately 12 miles southeast, offering historic sites and beautiful river views.

• Burlington, IA: About 20 miles north, featuring Snake Alley, shopping, and dining options.

• Keokuk, IA: Roughly 15 miles south, known for its riverfront and historic sites.

🧭 Summary

Fort Madison, Iowa, provides travel nurses with an affordable cost of living, diverse housing options, and a welcoming community. With its array of recreational activities, cultural attractions, and proximity to other cities, Fort Madison is an excellent choice for your next assignment.

✅ Affordable cost of living

✅ Variety of furnished housing options

✅ Rich cultural and recreational activities

✅ Proximity to major cities and natural attractions

Ready to embark on your next adventure? Fort Madison awaits! 🏞️🌟

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.