AGP Executive Report

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.

Gas Prices: AAA Iowa reports statewide averages around $4.04 a gallon, down about 20 cents from a week ago, with oil prices easing and summer travel still expected to continue. Field of Dreams Baseball: Dyersville’s Northwoods League team is down to five name finalists—Corn Dogs, Dreamers, Ghosts, Moonlighters, and Spirits—with voting running June 1-30 and the winner revealed July 7-8. Family-Friendly Events: Cedar Falls brings back “Fireworks Over the Dome” July 2 (free, about 9:40 p.m.) with parking and details at cedarfallstourism.org. Small-Town Shopping: Readlyn’s Second Hand Boutique opens with a soft opening June 3, turning thrifting into a room-by-room local stop at 234 Main Street. Travel-Adjacent Safety/Policy: The U.S. DOL says voluntary off-site travel during a bona fide meal break doesn’t make it compensable work time—useful for employers managing travel-heavy schedules. Community Fundraiser: Mount Pleasant’s third annual Veterans Benefit Ride rolls June 13, starting and ending at the Veterans Hall. Big Boy Train: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 continues its America 250 tour through Iowa, with stops including Cedar Rapids and Grand Mound before leaving June 2.

FTC & Iowa Agriculture: The FTC announced a major investigation into fertilizer pricing practices after farmers say costs have surged since 2020, with Iowa producers likely watching closely as input prices hit travel budgets and farm economies. Travel Safety & Health: A norovirus “vomiting bug” outbreak is spiking in dozens of U.S. cities, raising summer travel and camping hygiene concerns. Air Travel Disruption: A United Airlines flight out of Chicago was diverted after an attempted cockpit intrusion, a reminder to travelers to expect delays when incidents happen. Gas Watch: Triple-A Iowa reports gas prices are easing after Memorial Day, with many areas now under $4—good news for road-trip plans. Local Events: Oskaloosa’s Uplifting Puppet Festival runs for two weeks with workshops and puppet parades, and Lanesboro’s Rhubarb Festival returns June 6 with free tasting and family activities. Sports Tourism: The Iowa boys soccer state tournament kicks off June 1 at Mediacom Stadium, drawing visitors for quarterfinals and finals. Road Tragedy: A dust-storm-linked 16-vehicle crash on I-80 near Ogallala killed an Iowa man, underscoring dangerous conditions for travelers. Convenience Stops: Kwik Trip says it’s exploring expansion into Nebraska, signaling more options for Iowa-area travelers heading west.

Honey Creek Resort Reopening: Southern Iowa’s Honey Creek Resort is set to reopen Monday after the state shut it down last October over contractual disputes, with Embergrove Hospitality handling lodging and Maxim Golf Group running the course. Missing Child Update: An 8-year-old from Iowa reported missing was found safe in Omaha after Iowa and Nebraska authorities issued an endangered person advisory tied to a kidnapping warrant. Road Safety on I-80: Nebraska State Patrol investigated two major I-80 crashes Saturday, including a 16-vehicle pileup near Brule caused by a dust storm that left one dead and multiple serious injuries. Senior Mental Health in Dyersville: MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center launched Senior Life Solutions, offering group and individual therapy options for older adults dealing with depression and anxiety. Family-Friendly Summer Camps: NICC’s Oelwein Center is running summer camps in June and July, including art, coding, and water science options. Travel & Transit Accessibility: Amtrak marked $20 million in upgrades to Ottumwa and Mt. Pleasant stations to improve ADA access and safety. Outdoor Gear for Backcountry Trips: Roughridge Stove Co. unveiled a tougher all-in-one backpacking stove designed for extreme conditions. Local Sports Note: Iowa State added Cash Wilcke to its women’s wrestling staff as Director of Operations/assistant coach.

Severe Crash & Road Closures: A dust storm helped trigger a 16-vehicle crash on I-80 near Brule, Nebraska; one Pocahontas, Iowa man died and five others were seriously hurt, with both directions closed during the investigation and cleanup. Missing Child Alert: Shelby County authorities are searching for 8-year-old Dane Coffman, last seen with 51-year-old Garry McBreen; officials say they may be traveling in a silver 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe (QBX 559) or a silver 2009 Dodge Journey (QTC 660), possibly heading through Colorado toward California. Travel Safety Reminder: The Iowa rainfall story notes heavy downpours and reduced visibility from storms early Sunday, with conditions improving later—plan extra driving time if you’re heading out. Accessibility Rail Travel: Amtrak marked $20 million in upgrades to Ottumwa and Mt. Pleasant stations, improving ADA access and platform safety for riders. Summer Blood Drive Push: The American Red Cross is urging Iowa-area donors to book appointments now as summer “trauma season” approaches and blood supplies have dropped. Route 66 Tourism Spotlight: A feature highlights how Route 66 motel owners keep the iconic roadside culture alive—good inspiration for Iowa travelers planning a road trip.

Iowa Travel & Tourism Watch: HUD Secretary Scott Turner visited Iowa to spotlight affordable housing and rural revival, touring a Habitat for Humanity build in Waukee and highlighting Indianola’s downtown square—good news for travelers who rely on thriving main streets. Agro-Tourism: A peony farm near Milford says peak bloom is drawing visitors from across the region, with thousands of plants and 200+ varieties—an easy summer stop for flower lovers. Local Parks & Walkability: Keokuk is turning a formerly vacant downtown lot into a pocket park, part of a community-driven effort that started with student art and a new mural. Summer Skies: The Science Center of Iowa is hosting a free Star Party at the Drake Municipal Observatory on June 26, a fun night plan for families and stargazers. Road Trip Flavor: If you’re planning a burger run, a national list spotlights standout burgers worth detours—useful inspiration for Iowa weekend road trips. Health & Community: A new study links living near factory farms with higher cancer risk in places including Iowa, adding urgency to public health conversations that affect how people think about rural life.

Airport Funding: Eppley Airfield in Omaha is getting an extra $10.5 million to modernize terminals and boarding bridges, part of a broader federal push to upgrade airport infrastructure. Tourism & Outdoors: Mason City opened a new destination bike park, Prairie Rock Trails Bike Park, with pump tracks and technical features aimed at riders of all levels. Family Fun Events: Le Mars is gearing up for Ice Cream Days (June 17-20) with new activities like a 65-foot obstacle course and rock art stations. Community Growth: Keokuk’s downtown pocket park is taking shape, building on a Walldogs mural project with local students. Local Travel Planning: Iowa’s summer stargazing calendar is filling up, including a free Science Center of Iowa Star Party on June 26 at the Drake Municipal Observatory. Road Trip Food: A national roundup spotlights burgers worth detouring for, feeding into the Memorial Day weekend road-trip vibe. Public Safety/Access: Storm Lake is seeking input on e-bike and e-scooter rules for city trails as complaints about speed and younger riders grow. Housing & Affordability: HUD Secretary Scott Turner toured Habitat for Humanity Iowa homes-in-progress in Waukee and discussed regulatory changes meant to boost affordability. Resort Update: Honey Creek Resort is set to reopen with a short-term management plan after months of uncertainty, with the golf course already back online. Weather: Expect a sunny weekend with cooler lakeside conditions and warmer inland temperatures.

Memorial Day tourism boost (Iowa Great Lakes): Arnolds Park is reporting a strong kickoff weekend, with 60% of Dickinson County hotel rooms sold and 70% of vacation rentals booked, a sign locals hope points to a busy summer. Road-trip planning & costs: AAA says gas prices are falling nationally (about $4.42 average, down 12 cents week over week), though summer driving demand could keep prices elevated. Outdoor getaway idea: Travel writers are spotlighting Volga River State Recreation Area near Fayette as a quieter Driftless-area alternative for hiking and paddling. Local travel logistics: Clay County is pushing residents to sign up for Iowa’s free Road Notification Tool for secondary road closures and detours via the Iowa DOT 511 map. Family-friendly events: The Tama County Historical Society is hosting a Freedom Rock program June 10 at Wieting Theatre in Toledo, featuring a journey documenting all 100 Iowa Freedom Rocks. Rural services: Osage Veterinary Clinic added two new veterinarians, aiming to help meet growing demand as rural communities face shortages. Safety on the road: Iowa State Patrol reports a serious Worth County motorcycle crash, underscoring peak-season risks for riders.

Tourism & Outdoors: Mason City is set to host its first Prairie Rock Trails Bike Fest (Fri–Sun), with ribbon-cutting for the new bike park, clinics, group rides, and Jump Jam competitions—an easy weekend plan for riders and families. Camping Safety: The Iowa DNR is urging campers to buy firewood locally and leave firewood at home to help protect Iowa forests from pests. Health on the Move: Broadlawns in Des Moines launched Iowa’s new mobile memory clinic, bringing dementia evaluations and education to Polk County neighborhoods and community centers. Local Travel Infrastructure: Sioux City’s major interchange work will trigger a summer detour starting June 2 through Aug. 4 for bridge deck overlay and barrier rail replacement. Community Events: Cedar Rapids Tourism is exploring a marathon bid, and the Iowa Travel Industry Partners announced award winners—good news for visitors and local businesses. Policy Watch (Travel-Adjacent): The FTC has launched a formal investigation into fertilizer pricing, a reminder that farm input costs can ripple into rural travel economies.

Memorial & Heritage: Sioux County dedicated the Lance Corporal B. Jay Leusink Memorial Bridge over the West Branch of the Floyd River, adding new signs and honoring the Marine on the 20th anniversary of his death. Tourism Awards: Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) named Iowa Children’s Museum and Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center top honors, with Rep. Gary Mohr taking Elected Official of the Year; awards set for June 9 in Amana. Family Travel & Learning: The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge hosts a Vietnam War living history event May 30-31 with period displays, veteran talks, and a UH-34 helicopter on exhibit. Road Trip Culture: Airstream announced a new independent dealership and service center in Rapid City, strengthening Upper Midwest/Great Plains access for campers and owners. Community Events: Center Point Depot Museum in June 7 hosts a free slide program, “Iowa Scenic Views by Foot,” from runner Tyler Sullivan, who’s visited 97 Iowa counties. Local Pride & Politics: Burlington council debate over a Pride Month proclamation’s LGBTQ “plus” symbol highlights how community values can shape public events.

Tourism Awards: Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) announced the 2026 statewide tourism and hospitality awards, with winners set to be honored June 9 at Hotel Millwright in the Amana Colonies. Visitor Experience: The Coralville Lake Visitor Center reopened May 1 after nearly four years of repairs, adding new restrooms and a volunteer kiosk—though permanent exhibits for the Devonian Fossil Gorge are still on hold. Community & Travel Events: The Principal Charity Classic returns to Des Moines June 10-14 at Wakonda Golf Club, Iowa’s only PGA Tour stop, with ticket options and youth-focused fundraising highlighted. Local Impact: Arconic union workers at the Quad Cities facility approved a new three-year contract through June 15, 2029, including wage increases and changes to vacation calculations. Summer Fun Costs: Quad Cities-area fair and festival organizers say rising fuel and entertainment costs are forcing higher prices heading into the busy season. Family-Friendly History Stop: The Freedom Truck Mobile Museum is rolling through Iowa towns as a free, hands-on 250th birthday-era history experience for students and families.

Last-Mile Delivery Divide: Iowa State researchers say Americans’ home-delivery habits stay sharply split between urban and rural shoppers, even after COVID-era spikes. Tourism Spotlight: Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) honored Fayette native Jackie Cooper for Main Street Lansing’s downtown revitalization, and the state’s tourism awards highlighted innovation from rural to city. Big Boy Rail Excursion: Union Pacific’s iconic Big Boy steam locomotive has started a rare eastbound run tied to America’s 250th birthday, with public stops planned across Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and beyond. Des Moines Film Night: Award-winning director Yuriko Romer will host a Q&A in Des Moines after screening “Diamond Diplomacy,” exploring how baseball shaped U.S.-Japan relations during WWII. Quad Cities Weekend Ideas: A local guide rounds up 17 things to do in the Quad Cities, from Antique Archaeology to the region’s signature taco pizza. Road Safety & Weather: A Holt County motorcycle crash killed two riders, and the Omaha area is set for hot, dry conditions with only spotty rain chances.

Sports & Travel Calendar: Iowa and UConn just locked in a home-and-home women’s basketball series—Hawkeyes at UConn on Nov. 8, then UConn visits Iowa City in 2027-28. Road & Getting Around: Overnight southbound I-35 between Ames and Ankeny closes for bridge repair May 27 (10 p.m.) to May 28 (5 a.m.), with a detour via US 30 and US 69; plus Memorial Day travel safety and seatbelt enforcement are in full swing. Health & Community: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new vape/nicotine tax to fund pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa (up to $3 million a year). Local Stories: Fort Dodge hosted the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.; and Pella residents rallied after a home fire with a GoFundMe. Food & Costs: Quad Cities food trucks say higher gas and supply prices are squeezing margins. Wildlife: Iowa DNR reports fishers—a weasel-family animal—showing up in the state.

Women’s Basketball Spotlight: Iowa and UConn just locked in a home-and-home series next season—Hawkeyes travel to Connecticut Nov. 8, then host the Huskies at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in 2027-28 (first Iowa visit since 1999). Transit & Travel: The 380 Express is adding a new Campus Connect route June 1 with stops at UI Health Care in North Liberty and Kirkwood in Coralville, plus fare increases and schedule tweaks. Healthcare Pressure: Medicaid cuts are hitting Iowa hospitals hard, with staffing and service shortages already forcing some clinics to see fewer patients. Community & Youth: Poweshiek County 4-H riders took top honors at the state horse judging contest—team first, plus a top senior individual finish. Public Safety: Memorial Day weekend brought deadly road news on I-29 near Council Bluffs, where a stopped pickup was struck by a semi.