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The best arts & culture spots in Fort Madison

5 arts & culture spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Arts & Culture · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Old Fort Madison

Arts & Culture

If you haven't been lately, Old Fort Madison is the real-deal slice of local history, marking the first permanent U.S. fort on the Upper…

716 Riverview Dr

“S. fort on the Upper Mississippi and Iowa’s only true War of 1812 battlefield. S.”

From the Macomb newsletter, October 5, 2026

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Sheaffer Pen Museum

Arts & Culture

Sheaffer Pen Museum is the kind of local deep cut that rewards a curious afternoon, with exhibits tracing Fort Madison’s pen-making roots…

627 Ave G #2

“Sheaffer Pen Museum is the kind of local deep cut that rewards a curious afternoon, with exhibits tracing Fort Madison’s pen-making roots and how the classics came together. It’s hometown history with serious style, and yes, plenty of shiny writing gear to ogle.”

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Fort Madison Area Arts Association

Arts & Culture

Fort Madison Area Arts Association in downtown Fort Madison has an easygoing Open Studio pottery experience you can pop into, plus…

825 Ave G

“Fort Madison Area Arts Association in downtown Fort Madison has an easygoing Open Studio pottery experience you can pop into, plus galleries, classes, and events that keep creativity humming. If you want a low-pressure place to play with clay or get inspired, this is it.”

From the Macomb newsletter, October 4, 2026

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Western Illinois Museum

Arts & Culture

Western Illinois Museum isn’t just display cases. It’s a community hub where Macomb stories meet live music, dance lessons, and exhibits…

201 S Lafayette St (Macomb)

“Western Illinois Museum isn’t just display cases. It’s a community hub where Macomb stories meet live music, dance lessons, and exhibits like Oakwood Cemetery’s photo project, plus projects preserving local photography. Drop in for smart, homegrown history that actually feels alive.”

From the Macomb newsletter, September 23, 2026

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