Fort Dodge, Iowa

The healthcare provider is located in Fort Dodge, Iowa that covers the medical needs of several communities. As a member of a strong healthcare company, the hospital includes state-of-the-art care options. The facility has over 100 beds and more than 110 physicians to provide the care patients need day or night.

A hidden jewel of the Midwest, Fort Dodge is located along the Des Moines River and is a little over an hour to the state capital. Fort Dodge has created a hub of retail and activity with an exciting calendar of events year round, interesting historic attractions and fun family options. Fort Dodge is packed with Midwest charm and small town convenience. A low cost of living and short commute times are why people come, but the appeal of the town is what keeps them here. Not only is the town quaint and historic, but you’ll also discover it’s lush with 32 parks total -- more than any other Iowa city. You’re able to visit any point in the city in less than 30 minutes which means you can pack plenty in your itinerary and when you want to get around town, just hop on one of the Dodger Area Rapid Transit System (DART) 21 buses to save a drive.

Learn more about Fort Dodge at the official city website and explore the area at the county website.

Fort Dodge has 7 diverse schools each with something to offer the youth of the community. The school offerings include 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school. Each school has a comprehensive curriculum and staff dedicated to helping each student reach their potential. In 2016, the community received several innovation grants to enhance technology and STEM in the classroom. Iowa is the #1 state in the district when to comes to high school graduation rates.

Click here to read more about public schools in Fort Dodge.
Click here to read about private schools in Fort Dodge.

Once you find the school you are interested in, you will need to contact them directly with any questions you might have.

Fort Dodge has a good range for shopping options for residents and visitors. The community features shops for books, antiques, bath products, toys, clothing, shoes, and more. You can shop downtown, around the city at shopping plazas or the local shopping mall. The Shops at Crossroads is a fully-enclosed mall with stores such as Sears, J.C. Penney and Foot Locker. Nearly any purchase need can be met with a trip to the mall or the surrounding area. After you shop till you drop, it’s time to dig into the other entertainment options Fort Dodge has to offer. Family fun begins with the Family Bowling Center, a 24-lane bowling alley with a game center and pizza parlor. Don’t skip Fort Frenzy, an entertainment center with indoor attractions open-year round plus seasonal outdoor attractions. Fort Frenzy offers go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, a skating rink, laser tag and an arcade with over 45 games.

Beginning in August, you can visit local farm Community Orchard to engage in apple-picking, play on the playground, get lost in the corn maze or see some adorable farm animals, plus grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafe. Take a break and see the cultural side of Fort Dodge by visiting the Fort Museum and Frontier Village, a pioneer main street and stockade fort. At the museum, you’ll see ancient artifacts from prehistoric, Civil War and Native American origins. If art is more of interest, visit the renowned Blanden Art Museum to see its impressive collection of artifacts from around the world. Rotating exhibits include pieces in various mediums including ceramics, paintings, and photography. The Blanden even offers art classes for adults and children who want to explore their creative side. When the days get hot, it’s time for a trip to Rosedale Rapids Family Aquatic Center, an outdoor waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool and plenty of opportunity for fun in the sun. Last but not least, relax and take in a show either at the Hawkeye Theatre, which products 6 plays a year, or a big box office hit at the Fort 8 Movie Theatre.

Crime in Fort Dodge is on the decline and has dropped by almost 20% in the last year. The efforts of the police force include community policing, crimestopper tips, and more. The primary focus of the city and its officials is to ensure a safe community.

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