City Parks are open year-round. Park amenities such as restrooms, open shelters, cabins, and drinking fountains close each season in mid-October and re-open in mid-April*.
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The Donna Jean Monkelein Pavilion is available for reservations year-round.
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Note: The trail system remains open during the off-season, snow removal is limited.
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*Opening and closure dates may change as subject to seasonal weather conditions.
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Fort Dodge City Parks - Click Here for Interactive Map
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Fort Dodge City Parks - Click Here for Park Inventory
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Click Here to Reserve
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The Fort Dodge & Webster County Trail System offers more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B.
You’ll Discover
- Information Kiosks at Trailheads- Located at 4 key trailheads, these kiosks feature system-wide trail maps with site-specific information, blending local history with modern highlights.
- Trail Markers Every ½ Mile- Look for clearly marked posts every half mile including 911 emergency location info to help keep you safe and aware.
- Directional Signs at Intersections- Trail intersections include directional markers to help walkers and bikers navigate toward community destinations with ease.
- Trail Art Installations- Enjoy unique art pieces along the trail, adding creativity and character to your journey through nature.
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Public Hike & Bike Trails (2025) - Click Here for Trail Map
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The City of Fort Dodge Public Areas Memorial Program lets you honor a loved one with a tree or bench, creating a lasting tribute among the beauty of nature. Our Memorial Package includes a tree or bench, a custom plaque, and installation
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Looking for something unique? We can explore other options like bottle filling stations, dog waste stations, and more to create a meaningful tribute that fits your vision and budget.
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Tree Memorial Application
Bench Memorial Application
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The Fort Dodge Forestry Department is dedicated to maintaining, protecting, and enhancing the community’s urban forest.
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Fort Dodge Forestry Services Include:
- Trim and/or prune city/public right-of-way
- Remove dead, dying, hazardous, or diseased trees from the parking or other city property
- Grind out and remove stumps from the parking and city property and refill holes with black dirt
- Other miscellaneous care of cracked and/or injured city trees
- Provide general information regarding insect/disease problems infecting trees.
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Tree trimming in the city limits; is the City responsible?
The City of Fort Dodge retains a full-time Forester on the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department. The City is responsible for trimming and removing trees, at the Forester's discretion, on city property, city streets, alleys, and on parking areas. The city is NOT responsible for trees on private property under any situation.
Tree Trimming and/or Tree Removal within Public-of-Way:
Text "Tree" to 515-408-9888 and follow the prompts
Planting within the Public Right-of-Way; What are my options?
Citizens are encouraged to contact the Forestry Department at 515-576-7237 before they plant any trees, bushes, or anything other than grass and low ground cover in the city's right-of-ways. Some trees are not approved for right-of-way planting. Citizens should be aware that anything planted in the City right-of-way can be removed for construction or maintenance.
Approved Trees and Checklist of Tree Planting within the Public Right-of-Way Click Here: Tree Planting Guide
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Fort Dodge was awarded a grant through Mid-American Energy's Trees Please! program
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What is the Trees Please! Program?
Fort Dodge, Iowa – (April 9, 2021) – MidAmerican Energy Company presented a $1,200 check to Fort Dodge as part of the company’s “Trees Please!” energy-efficient program last week.
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The grant will help fund Fort Dodge’s purchase of 35 bare-root trees. The first planting project is planned for Arbor Day as a joint effort with the local Mid-American Energy and Fort Dodge Parks & Rec Department. With the help of volunteers, some of the trees will be planted at the Welcome to Fort Dodge sign on P-59. Other trees will be planted in city-owned properties and community green spaces throughout the summer and fall.
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MidAmerican selected grant recipients based on each project’s merits, its community benefits, and the applicant’s ability to obtain matching funds.
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Trees provide several benefits. They can help improve energy efficiency when part of an energy-efficient landscape design. Trees in the winter months can serve as natural windbreaks and in the summer months, they can provide shade to homes and businesses. Planting trees also improves air quality, helps protect and nourish soil, and beautifies communities.
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Refund/Credit Guidelines for Programming & Rentals
After the program starts: No credit unless medical documentation is provided.
7 business days or less before the start or registration deadline: No credit unless medical documentation is provided.
8 or more business days before the start or registration deadline: Full credit, minus $5 administrative fee
Removal from class/activity by staff recommendation: Full credit to the account or credit/debit card.
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