Tourism
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RAGBRAI: Special Field of Dreams Stop and Mystery Guest
It’s no surprise RAGBRAI cyclists will soon pedal their way into Iowa, but what may be a surprise is this year’s exclusive Field of Dreams stop and a mystery celebrity who’s coming for a ride. RAGBRAI executive director, Matt Phippen explains the incredible town support, and memorable experiences that come with the Registers Annual Great…
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Clear Lake 4th of July is like a Hallmark Movie
American is 250 years old and Clear Lake, Iowa is celebrating with a bang! Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Stacy Doughan explains why 60,000 Iowans squeeze into the town during this massive celebration, visitor FAQs, and why key decisions around lake restoration improved the local area. Doughan explains why Clear Lake is seeing a…
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Ice Cream Days in Le Mars, Iowa. A brief history and how to attend!
It’s almost here! Le Mars Iowa hosts it’s annual Ice Cream Days festival. Executive Director, Kristen Heimgartner explains the history of the special event, how you can get free ice cream, why their town is growing, and how their biggest employer, Wells, sources dairy from Iowa farms. Le Mars, Iowa, holds the formal designation of…
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Royalty, FAQs and Parking at The Tulip Time Festival
It’s Tulip Time in Iowa! Iowan’s are aware of the annual Tulip Time Festival in Pella, running May 7-9th this year, BUT did you know it’s a honeypot of high-brow visitors? Royalty and even musical celebrities are known to make an appearance, all for the love of Dutch heritage and culture. Jessi Galligan, Executive Director…
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Who’s behind Iowa’s iconic photos in media, the airport, and tourism magazines?
If you’ve seen a national media story featuring Iowa, visited the Des Moines airport, picked up an Iowa magazine, visited the Iowa Road Trip Facebook page or Instagram page, or have seen any Iowa tourism website, you’ve likely appreciated seen his work. Meet Brian Abeling the “Iowa Road Trip” guy. He explains the stories behind…
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Iowa eyesore becomes iconic spot. Meet the The Ingersoll fixer
The drive down Ingersoll avenue is a juxtaposition of new and trendy, but also rundown and gross. But this month, with the launch of The Ingersoll that brand is finally behind us. Steve Peters, co-owner of The Ingersoll, and CEO of VenuWorks describes the process of saving the building and bringing back to life the…
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High Trestle Trail in Ankeny: Facts and Future Plans
20% of cyclists coming to Ankeny for the High Trestle Trail aren’t from Iowa. The economic potential cyclists bring is estimated to be in the billions, but currently each stay only brings $250 in economic activity. Derek Lord, Ankeny economic development director explains the retail and business opportunity accommodate the massive and untapped revenue potential.…
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Who’s behind the mysterious veteran-themed rock art across Iowa?
Audio version: Have you seen a massive rock painted with a Veteran theme in Iowa? How about two of them? How about more? Is there something bigger behind the trend? It turns out, the Iowa artist started the project when he was 19 to honor veterans. Now every county in Iowa has one thanks to…
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Dubuque, Iowa: The Wall Street Journal’s Pick For Summer Travel
Audio version: Iowans love it when people from the rest of the country recognize our awesomeness. This week, the state was pleasantly surprised to see just that. A piece in The Wall Street Journal hailed Dubuque, Iowa as a top summer destination. Writer David Farley joined the show to discuss why he wrote the piece…
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DSM Airport Half-Way Point Video & Photos
The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is stepping into a new era of air travel with a terminal project that reflects not just growth, but ambition. Now at the official halfway point of construction, DSM is no longer a quiet regional hub—it’s rapidly positioning itself as a serious Midwest transit player with carriers asking about…