NORTHWOOD, IA--
They're not typically mentioned as dream vacation destinations--but they're drawing more and more people. “I liked in Amana,” said Gloria Martin, a tourist. “Looking around at all the little shops, that was fun, and I liked the Little Brown Church.”Oregon native Gloria Martin first stopped in Iowa this past June. And with a recent increase in tourism--it seems plenty of others are exploring Iowa's 'Fields of Opportunities'. “They're getting the word out in our neighboring states,” said Jean Stowell, the executive director of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center. “We've had a concentrated effort of advertising in the Chicago area.”
At the Top of Iowa Welcome Center they' say they're averaging about a 14 percent increase in visitors over last year. “We're not sure if it's the signs on the building, or if it's the lower gas prices, or if people are just out and about,” said Stowell of the increase.
Whatever the reason for the increase in visitors--it appears tourism is on the rise. Tourism experts report a two percent increase in expenditures in 2008. “I think the word is getting out that Iowa is a wonderful place to visit,” said Stowell.
Which she says means good things for local communities. “If a tourist spends $250 a day and we can extend their stay that's money in the local communities,” she said.
Stowell said many of their visitors are Minnesota families. But they're also Iowans on "staycation" and "playcation". They're enjoying their own communities or traveling to other parts of the state instead of going elsewhere. “I mean, why couldn't you spend an hour or two at Lime Creek Nature Center or Music Man Square?” she asked.
And no matter where those dollars are coming from, Stowell said it's good for local communities.
So will travelers like Martin keep coming back? “Maybe,” said Martin. “It's a long ways from home.”
But she said she would recommend it to a friend!
