My Local Guide

River Bluffs, Prairie Trails, and Creative Roots

Webster County, Iowa

Follow the Des Moines River through Webster County, where wooded bluffs give way to farm fields and Fort Dodge brings art, history, and everyday conveniences together. Spend a morning on the trails at Dolliver, cast a line at Brushy Creek, or discover something unexpected inside the Blanden. Beyond the county seat, communities such as Gowrie, Dayton, and Lehigh offer their own gathering places and traditions. Come for an afternoon, a weekend, or a place to put down roots.

Webster County at a Glance

Population36,838 (2025 population estimate)
County SeatFort Dodge
Largest CityFort Dodge
Established1851
ZIP Codes14 ZIP Codes (primary county assignment)
Total Area718 square miles (land and water)
Major RoutesUS 20, US 169, IA 7, IA 175, IA 144
Area Code515
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover the County

Webster County

Established in 1851 and named for Daniel Webster, Webster County grew around the Des Moines River and the communities that took shape along its valley. Fort Dodge became the county seat and remains its largest city. Today, that history is visible in the Fort Museum and Frontier Village, while the Blanden Memorial Art Museum adds another chapter to the county’s cultural life. Away from town, wooded ravines, working farmland, and small communities give the county a character that changes with every turn in the road.

A day here can move easily from a gallery visit to a lakeside picnic. Brushy Creek offers room for fishing, riding, and camping; Kennedy Park brings trails and Badger Lake close to Fort Dodge. Families can explore water exhibits at the River’s Edge Discovery Center or plan a seasonal outing to Community Orchard. Throughout the county, school activities, local businesses, and community celebrations help turn familiar places into shared gathering spots.

What Shapes Us

Stories Along the River

Explore local history at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village, then follow the county’s creative traditions through exhibitions at the Blanden Memorial Art Museum.

Fields and Forests

Working farmland surrounds communities and wooded river corridors, while Brushy Creek and Dolliver offer a close look at the county’s lakes, bluffs, and natural habitats.

Gather and Grow

Schools, libraries, local businesses, and community celebrations connect neighbors across the county, with Fort Dodge providing a hub for education, health care, and the arts.

Many communities, one river valley, room to belong.
My Local Guide

Webster County

Our County - Our Stories
Webster County Wire

Webster County Wire

Local Stories - DailyPhoto Credits
Radio Iowa

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Webster County

Stories from every corner of Webster County.

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Horror film fest is highlight of Ottumwa’s Halloweenapalooza

The leaves are starting to change color, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and a scare is in the…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Names of northeast Iowa boaters who died in Mississippi River accident released

The Iowa DNR has identified two northeast Iowa men who drowned after their fishing boat hit a submerged…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Iowa farmers didn’t get much field time last week waiting for drier conditions

The harvest didn’t advance much last week as farmers waited for fields to dry out. The lastest U.S.D.A.…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Celebrating Iowa 4H from calves and canning to astronomy and robots

This is National 4H Week, recognizing the accomplishments of the program that reaches more than 120,000 young people…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
WEBSTER COUNTY WEATHER
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find useful public services, community organizations, schools, healthcare information, transportation resources, and everyday contacts serving Webster County, Iowa.

Government

Webster County Board of Supervisors
County meetings, agendas, decisions, and elected representatives.
Official Website

Webster County Auditor and Elections
Election administration, voter information, and county financial records.
Official Website

Webster County Assessor
Property assessments and parcel information.
Official Website

Webster County Recorder
Recorded documents and vital-record services.
Official Website

Webster County Planning and Zoning
County land-use questions and zoning administration.
Official Website

City of Fort Dodge
Municipal services, meetings, permits, and city contacts. Phone: (515) 576-4551.
Official Website

City of Gowrie
City government, council information, and local notices.
Official Website

Webster County Cities
County-maintained information for incorporated communities.
Official Website

We're Here To Help.

Practical answers for visiting, living, working, and finding your way around Webster County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Get clear, local answers to common questions about places, activities, travel, and community life in Webster County.

Dolliver Memorial State Park combines wooded ravines and sandstone formations above the Des Moines River. Its trails lead toward features such as the Copperas Beds and Boneyard Hollow. Allow time for uneven ground and elevation changes; this is a different experience from a flat paved city path.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day.

Browse places to eat, shop, explore, and spend time throughout Webster County.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Fort Frenzy — Arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, and seasonal outdoor attractions.
  2. Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center — Hands-on exhibits about Iowa’s water and natural world.
  3. Community Orchard — Seasonal Back 40 Playground and family activities; check tickets and dates.

Restaurants

  1. ShinyTop Brewing — Pizza and house-brewed beer in downtown Fort Dodge.
  2. Mineral City Mill & Grill — Family dining on 5th Avenue South.
  3. Apple Orchard Café — A seasonal café stop at Community Orchard.

Shopping & Retail

  1. Community Orchard — Seasonal apples, orchard products, and gifts.
  2. Blanden Museum Shop — Artist-made gifts and museum publications.
  3. Marshalls — Fort Dodge — Fashion, home goods, and accessories at 275 South 29th Street.

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Apple Attic Boutique — Boutique shopping at Community Orchard during its operating season.
  2. maurices — Corridor Plaza — Women’s clothing and accessories in Fort Dodge.
  3. Buckle — Fort Dodge — Clothing, denim, and accessories at 307 South 29th Street.

Outdoor Fun

  1. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area — Fishing, trails, horseback riding, and camping.
  2. Dolliver Memorial State Park — Wooded hikes and sandstone scenery near Lehigh.
  3. John F. Kennedy Memorial Park — Badger Lake, trails, picnics, and camping.
  4. Gypsum City OHV Park — Motorized riding trails; review current vehicle and rider requirements.

Free Things To Do

  1. Blanden Memorial Art Museum — Free museum admission at 920 3rd Ave S, Fort Dodge. Discover exhibitions and the permanent collection.
  2. Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center — Free admission to interactive water-themed exhibits.
  3. Fort Dodge Public Library — Browse, read, and find free public programs.
  4. John F. Kennedy Memorial Park — Enjoy a walk or lakeside picnic; camping and rentals cost extra.
  5. Laurel Park — Gowrie — Playgrounds, outdoor courts, and disc golf; bring your own equipment.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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