AGP Executive Report

Outdoor Recreation Boost: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order creating an Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, housed within the Iowa Tourism Office, to coordinate state, local, and conservation partners and promote Iowa as a destination for adventure and exploration. Heritage Tourism Stop: Milton installed a new Historic Hills Scenic Byway interpretive history panel at the historic train depot, adding another self-guided stop along the 105-mile route for travelers looking for local stories. Road-Trip Disruption: The Lansing, Iowa–Wisconsin Mississippi River bridge project’s center span installation was pushed to Friday, June 12, closing the free car ferry all day and restricting river traffic; detours are advised. Local Events: Fort Dodge’s Oakland Cemetery Walk returns Saturday (2–4 p.m.) with actors portraying notable local figures and guided headstone tours. Family Outdoor Perk: Iowa State Parks Passport is back for 2026 with check-ins, points, and prizes through Oct. 31, plus a photo contest for park shots. Animal Health Alert: Iowa issued guidance on New World screwworm after cases in Texas and a dog in New Mexico—inspect pets and livestock for open wounds and report maggots immediately.

Outdoor Recreation Boost: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Executive Order 19 creating an Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, housed within the Iowa Tourism Office, aiming to coordinate public and private efforts to grow Iowa’s outdoor economy (nearly $6B annually) and tourism. State Parks Passport: The Iowa DNR launched the 2026 Iowa State Park Passport, bringing back a points-based way to check in at nearly 60 parks and forests through Oct. 31, with a new photo contest for standout park shots. Aviation & Travel Convenience: Mason City Municipal Airport is hosting its first TSA Pre-Check enrollment event this week, with appointments required and a five-year membership if approved. Tourism Event Spotlight: Keokuk Concert Association marks its 100th season with six performances at the Grand Theatre, running from October 2026 through March 2027. Animal Health Alert for Travelers: IDALS issued guidance on protecting animals from New World Screwworm after cases in Texas and New Mexico, urging wound checks and immediate reporting if maggots are found.

Outdoor Recreation Push: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Executive Order 19 creating the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, housed within the Iowa Tourism Office under the Iowa Economic Development Authority, aiming to grow Iowa’s outdoor economy (nearly $6B annually) and support about 50,000 jobs. The office will coordinate partnerships, back business development, and work with the Iowa DNR while a new task force delivers recommendations within 120 days. State Parks Passport: The Iowa DNR also launched the 2026 Iowa State Park Passport to encourage residents and visitors to explore more of the state’s parks. Travel-Related Business Moves: Hy-Vee is selling 21 standalone Fast & Fresh convenience stores to Bosselman Enterprises, which will rebrand them as Pump & Pantry locations. Road Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy reports show premium and diesel prices remain volatile across Iowa counties as summer travel ramps up.

Outdoor Recreation Boost: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order creating the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation, set up as an extension of the Iowa Tourism Office, with a goal of expanding trails, parks, and water access and coordinating public and private partners; officials cite nearly $6B in annual economic impact and about 50,000 jobs tied to outdoor recreation. Ames Soccer Weekend: The 2026 Iowa high school girls soccer state tournament kicks off Monday, June 8, running through Saturday, June 13, with all games in Ames (quarterfinals/semis at Lied Recreational Fields; finals at Cyclone Sports Complex) and tickets via GoBound. North Iowa Aviation Event: Mason City is set to host an Olympic-level international aerobatic championship in late August, expected to bring 100–150 pilots and visitors for about two weeks of practice and competition. Family Travel Safety Note: Des Moines police report an 8-year-old critically injured after being hit by a vehicle in a southwest-side apartment parking lot while riding a bike. Local Festival: Hampton’s 11th annual Bluegrass & Country Music Festival returns this week at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, with camping and multiple days of performances. Road Trip Planning: AAA reports Iowa regular gas averages around $4.06 statewide in the week ending May 30, with some spots lower (including $3.99 in Grundy County).

Road-Trip Deals & Local Stops: Clayton County’s Wilder Memorial Museum is the start point for a “Museum Crawl” passport—visit 8 of 17 museums across the county by June 30 for a chance at a $250 grand prize, with no admission fees and set hours. Summer Travel Reality Check: AAA and Reuters say airfare is up 9% to 20% versus last summer, and Iowa-area driving costs are higher too, with gas expected around $4.35 to $4.80 this summer—so the story pushes low-cost Iowa getaways instead. EV Charging on the Go: A new EV-only “full-service” charging station concept is popping up near the Illinois-Iowa border, with amenities like a convenience store and clear roadside pricing. Road Safety for Riders: The 37th Annual Blessing of the Bikes in the region kicked off riding season with a safety message for drivers and motorcyclists plus a canned-food drive. Iowa Win: A Mega Millions ticket sold at a Walmart in Waterloo matched five numbers for a $2 million prize. Road Improvements: A 26-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 18 (Sanborn to Spencer area) is being studied for upgrades using the DOT’s Super-2 approach with passing lanes and safety features. Weather Watch: More storms are expected Sunday before a hotter stretch next week.

Iowa Politics & Tourism Watch: Iowa’s November ballot is set after a surprising primary night, with national observers zeroing in on how Iowa’s governor and Senate races could shape the balance of power—something that can affect travel planning and event calendars statewide. Local Travel & Events: Atlantic’s Produce in the Park is set for June 11 with Gallivant, an Omaha-based band with local roots, bringing a free farmers-market concert vibe to the region. Roadside Charging Update: An EV driver shared a look at a new “full-fledged” EV-only charging stop near the Illinois-Iowa border—complete with a canopy, convenience store, restrooms, and clear pricing—an example of how road trips may feel more like traditional stops. Fuel Prices (Drive Time Matters): GasBuddy reports show diesel deals in Iowa’s Madison County hitting $4.79 (week ending May 30), plus other county-by-county lows for regular and E85, useful for travelers mapping summer routes. Wildlife Moment: The “Todd” bear that drew social media attention across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa was reportedly killed after being struck on I-90—an unexpected roadside travel story with a community impact.

EV Travel & Charging: An EV driver shared photos of a new “full-fledged” EV-only charging stop near the Illinois-Iowa border in Fulton, Illinois—complete with a canopy, convenience store, restrooms, and a big roadside price sign, aiming to make charging feel like a real roadside routine. Volleyball & Tourism Spillover: Cedar Rapids hosted the “Best in the Midwest” volleyball tournament at Sandlot Sports and Social, pulling teams from 16 states and offering AVP pro-tour points and $15,000 in prizes—good news for visitors and local sports travel. Weather for Trip Planning: Iowa is bracing for more storms Sunday before a heat-up next week, with recent downpours dumping several inches in parts of southern Iowa. Outdoor Safety: Iowa DNR is urging hikers and campers to help slow invasive species spread—clean boots, check gear for pests, and avoid bringing in out-of-county firewood. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the lowest diesel and fuel prices in Iowa counties for the week ending May 30, with multiple spots hitting notable lows for drivers heading into summer travel. Local Food Prize Spotlight: Tom Vilsack visited Le Mars to highlight the World Food Prize’s Iowa roots and the “Ice Cream Capital of World” stop at Wells production.

Invasive Species & Outdoor Safety: Iowa DNR and North Iowa Outdoors are urging hikers and outdoor lovers to help slow the spread of invasive pests by cleaning boots, checking gear for spongy moth egg masses, and not moving firewood from outside your county—steps that protect the state’s forests and summer recreation. Local Travel & Tourism Upgrade: Davenport’s Channel Cat dock in East Davenport has reopened after a $1.8 million renovation, including a new pedestrian bridge and landside improvements—aimed at making boarding easier and boosting visits to nearby shops and restaurants. Quad Cities Health Tourism (Care Access): UnityPoint Health’s Robert Young Center is launching the Quad Cities’ first intensive outpatient eating disorder program for adults, with referrals starting June 8 and treatment beginning June 22. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports Iowa fuel prices are mixed by blend and county, with E85 and regular gas deals showing up in select areas as the state average shifts week to week. Animal Health Alert: A new New World screwworm case in Texas has veterinarians warning the threat may be larger than the single confirmed find, urging year-round pet prevention and prompt reporting of suspicious wounds.

Mississippi River Bridge Update: Iowa and Wisconsin DOTs say the new Iowa 9/WIS 82 bridge center span will be floated into place June 11-12, shutting down the free car ferry and restricting boat traffic near the Lansing project site. Quad Cities Tourism & Transit: Davenport’s Channel Cat dock reopened after $1.8 million upgrades, including a new pedestrian bridge and landside improvements—aimed at making boarding easier and boosting local visits. Local Health & Community Care: UnityPoint Health’s Robert Young Center will launch the Quad Cities’ first intensive outpatient eating disorder program for adults, with referrals starting June 8 and treatment beginning June 22. Des Moines Area Travel Eats: Hy-Vee is selling 21 standalone Fast & Fresh convenience stores to Bosselman’s Pump & Pantry, with rebranding planned to roll out in July. Outdoor Safety: The Iowa DNR reports a strong start for fishing in Northwest Iowa, with interest expected to continue during the state’s Free Fishing Weekend.

Mississippi River Bridge Update (Lansing): Iowa and Wisconsin DOTs say the new IA 9 / WIS 82 center span will be floated and installed June 11-12, shutting down the free car ferry and restricting river traffic those two days; the ferry runs normal June 10, closes June 11-12, then resumes June 13, with a livestream at iowadot.gov/lansingbridge. Severe Weather Watch (Iowa region): Forecasters warn heavy rain and flash-flood risk across parts of southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa, with more storms possible this weekend. Outdoor & Nature (Polk County): Brenton Slough, a new 1,100-acre wildlife area near Grimes, opens soon as the biggest Polk County Conservation park purchase, aiming to keep the land wild with minimal infrastructure. Local Travel/Events (Gladbrook): Gladbrook’s 104th annual Corn Carnival runs June 11-14 with the theme “If You Shuck It, They Will Come,” tied to America’s 250th and Field of Dreams. Family Fun (Brainerd): Actors Repertory Theatre brings an improv comedy show to Central Lakes College’s Dryden Theatre June 9-11.

Transit & City Planning: DART is scaling back its Des Moines bus network under Reimagine DART—more frequent service on fewer routes, with timed transfers and reduced service hours to match what communities can afford. Road Safety & Driving: Iowa speed limits on paved hard-surface roads are set to rise from 55 mph to 60 mph starting July 1, with officials adjusting signage and passing/no-passing zones. Local Travel Logistics: A train-semi crash near Victor shut down attention on rail crossing safety after a teen died and the truck driver was airlifted. Outdoor & Community: New Ulm’s German Park Summer Concert series adds a classic rock cover band (On Maryland) plus family activities and splash pad hours. Health & Travel Readiness: LifeServe Blood Center is urgently seeking donors as summer demand ramps up. Agriculture & Tourism Risk: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf—an Ames, Iowa lab confirmed the case, triggering an infested zone and treatment response that could affect livestock movement. Weather & Night Sky: NOAA warns of strong geomagnetic storm conditions June 4-5, with aurora possible as far south as Iowa.

Public Safety: Des Moines police are asking for help locating missing 15-year-old William, believed to be in crisis; he was last seen on the far south side and may be wearing a white T-shirt, tan sweatpants, and green-and-white Air Jordan 4s. Outdoor & Health: NASA-backed research finds wildfire smoke can worsen ground-level ozone far from the flames, potentially offsetting years of air-quality gains. Travel & Tourism: Milton’s Historic Hills Scenic Byway added a new interpretive history panel at the historic train depot, giving travelers a self-guided stop on early settlement, schools, churches, and notable residents. Heritage Spotlight: Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area marks its 30th anniversary and ties its agriculture-and-industry story to America’s 250th celebration. Weather Watch: Iowa faces renewed storm chances with heavy rain possible today and Friday night. Sky News for Travelers: NOAA upgraded the Northern Lights outlook, with strong-to-severe geomagnetic storm chances Thursday into Friday across much of the U.S. Agriculture Alert: New World screwworm has been detected in a Texas calf; USDA says Ames, Iowa is running confirmatory testing and officials are working on quarantines and controls.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA is flagging a strong geomagnetic storm (June 4–5) that could push auroras as far south as 23 states—good news for Iowans who don’t want to travel north. Road & Travel Disruption: Des Moines’ Hickman Road (between Merle Hay Rd and Beaver Ave) is closing for resurfacing starting Friday, with work expected to wrap by mid-July. Agri-Tourism Passport: Iowa’s free 2026 Choose Iowa Passport is live, guiding travelers to farms, farm stores, markets, restaurants, breweries, wineries, and more. Biosecurity for Livestock: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in a Texas calf, with Ames, Iowa labs involved and containment steps underway—watch for impacts on cattle and travel to affected areas. Museum Travel: Putnam Museum is offering a 13-day Japan trip in 2027 (June 17–29) with stops across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and more. Local Events: Frontier Days parade in Fort Dodge returns on a revised route along First Ave. N., and Putnam Museum’s Japan trip plus an Honor Flight podcast highlight Iowa’s travel-and-community spirit.

Resort Reopening: Honey Creek Resort is set to reopen for the 2026 season, with Ember Grove Hospitality chosen to manage the property and The Preserve golf course; a soft opening starts in June with hopes for a mid-June return and a bigger Fourth of July grand opening. Outdoor & Nature Travel: A new backpacking piece highlights Iowa’s Yellow River State Forest and what to expect on the trail—plus a separate story digs into why Iowa mosquitoes seem to target hikers’ ankles and feet. Agri-Adventure & Local Trips: Iowa’s Choose Iowa Passport is back as a free digital guide to agritourism stops—farms, farm stores, markets, breweries, wineries, and more—built with Travel Iowa to help travelers explore the backroads. Family Fun Events: Nauvoo’s Tourism Office helped host a disc golf tournament at Nauvoo State Park, raising funds to add more holes and bring more visitors. Community Travel Calendar: Mount Pleasant’s “Thank You Is Never Enough” veterans benefit ride returns June 13 with stops across southeast Iowa, plus lunch, dinner, raffles, and an auction. Air Travel Watch: O’Hare is expected to be busier this summer despite FAA flight cuts, with daily operations projected to top last year’s peak.

Agri-Tourism Passport: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting travelers to hit the road with the 2026 Choose Iowa Passport, a free digital guide (with Travel Iowa) that links people to farms, farm stores, markets, breweries, wineries, garden centers, and other agritourism stops—check in for points and prizes. Family Fun Fundraiser: Sts. Peter & Paul Elementary in Nauvoo hosts God’s Portion Day on Sunday, June 7, with a donation breakfast, auction, and a big lineup of prizes including a travel voucher and sports tickets. Outdoor Recreation: A disc golf tournament at Nauvoo State Park drew 12 players and raised money to add nine more baskets to the course, with hopes to install them this fall. Community Events for Visitors: A veterans benefit ride returns to Mount Pleasant on June 13, starting and ending at the Veterans Hall with stops across southeast Iowa plus lunch, dinner, raffles, and an auction. Summer Blood Drives: LifeServe Blood Center is running Blood Donor Days all June, aiming to offset summer travel-related shortages and offering donor prizes, including festival passes to Hinterland Music Festival in St. Charles. Historic Road-Trip Buzz: Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 made a whistle-stop appearance in Sterling as part of its coast-to-coast 250th birthday tour—another reason crowds are lining up along Iowa’s tracks. Invasive Species Reminder: Iowa DNR is urging hikers and outdoor fans to clean gear, check plants, and avoid transporting firewood to help protect local trails and waterways.

Outdoor Adventure: A new summer outing idea for Iowa Great Lakes fans: the Dickinson County Nature Center’s Kenue Coffee Hour (June 4) spotlights the 134-mile Little Sioux Water Trail, also called the Inkpaduta Canoe Trail, from Spencer to Smithland. Hiking & Camping: Yellow River State Forest gets the backpacking treatment with a look at the Backpackers Loop—about 14.3 miles—plus extra miles for water and route tweaks. State Tourism & Travel Finance: BankIowa is expanding into Iowa County with a new branch in the historic Amana Colonies, aiming to support a mix of heritage, tourism, and local business. Road-Trip Reality Check: A crash on I-80/35 near Clive caused major westbound delays in the Des Moines metro, a reminder to plan routes and buffer travel time. Family Travel Safety: Tick season coverage highlights how ticks spread serious illnesses and offers practical prevention tips for people and pets. Local Events: Davenport’s new smash-burger spot, Sizzle & Smash, opens June 3 with a free-burger giveaway for the first 100 guests.