Fort Madison, Iowa | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- May 29
- 3 min read

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.
🏡 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.
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