Charles City Whitewater Park, Charles City, IAPhoto: Travel Iowa
(Des Moines, IA) -- The State of Iowa is launching a $100 million investment aimed at attracting visitors and new residents. The program called Destination Iowa, will provide grants to help communities pay for new attractions. Cities, counties, nonprofits and other organizations can apply for Destination Iowa grants from four separate funds: Economically Significant Development, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism Attraction, and Creative Placemaking.
“Communities in all corners of the state are creating unique destinations that give visitors a reason to explore and residents a reason to stay,” said Gov. Reynolds. Destination Iowa will help more communities across the state move forward in their efforts to boost tourism and economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for Iowans.”
“Destination Iowa will inspire the kinds of attractions that Iowans take pride in and that will raise the positive profile of our state well beyond our borders,” Gov. Reynolds said.
The governor's office reports that during the COVID-19 pandemic Iowa saw a record number of Iowans and out-of-state travelers utilizing outdoor amenities such as state and county parks and recreational bike trails, but the state's hospitality industry saw a 46-percent decrease in employment. The state also reports a nearly 30-percent drop in visitor spending as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications will be accepted starting May 9. Funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. For more information on Destination Iowa, visit iowaeda.com/destination-iowa/. Funding is being made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.