Sports and the outdoors are key features that draw people to Fort Dodge and Webster County, according to Kerrie Kuiper, the executive director of Visit Fort Dodge.

“There’s very few places where you can do as many things outdoors as you can here,” she said.

Dolliver Memorial State Park, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Gypsum City OHV Park and the growing trail network offer visitors the chance to get outside in Webster County.

Fort Dodge has long been building a reputation as a go-to spot for amateur sports.

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla
The Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex grounds crew works to get the fields ready for the 2024 Iowa Girls High School State Softball Tournament. The annual tournament is a big draw for visitors to the city in the summer.

That status was again recognized by the state government in September. For the third year in a row, the Iowa Tourism Office named Visit Fort Dodge as a Regional Sports Authority District. Along with that designation, Visit Fort Dodge received a $70,000 grant to support sporting events that bring people into the city.

That money will support 18 events, which Kuiper said will “bring revenue to our local businesses and increase statewide awareness of our area.”

“This awareness of the Fort Dodge community is a vital opportunity which could lead to more business growth and future tourism opportunities,” she said.

The $70,000 can be used to pay for venue rentals, equipment rentals, hiring referees or other officials, or any other service needed to host a sporting event.

According to Kuiper, one of the bigger and newer events attracting people to Fort Dodge is the Iron Sharpens Iron Team Wrestling Camp. It was held for the second time last year. Participation about doubled, with 1,400 people going to Iowa Central Community College for the camp.

In 2024, Fort Dodge was also the site of three major gatherings that had not been held locally before. Those events were the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association’s fall workshop (110 attendees), a convention of Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (175 attendees) and an Iowa Corrections Fall Conference (162 attendees).

“It’s kind of nice that we’re getting in some newer types,” Kuiper said. “I always like seeing newer ones popping in there.”

She added that the members of those organizations “truly host the events.”

“We help them make it happen,” she said.

Visit Fort Dodge is working to attain an International Inbound Travel Association Stamp of Approval and inclusion within Travel Iowa’s international promotions.

“This is very exciting because much of the international market are currently traveling through Iowa, but not stopping,” Kuiper said. “So Travel Iowa is working to help them recognize the amazing places in Iowa and plan stops for them.”

Starting next month and continuing through May, Visit Fort Dodge will be conducting a significant campaign to promote local attractions like Soldier Creek Winery, Fort Frenzy and the Blanden Memorial Art Museum.

Visit Fort Dodge will also go on the road to give the community a presence at the Iowa Bike Expo and the Omaha International Boat and Travel Show in Nebraska.

Kuiper said the recent growth and development in Fort Dodge makes the community more inviting to event planners.

“We’re really excited about all the investments being made,” she said. “Those are going to allow us to handle bigger events that we can invite more people into the community for.”