New opportunities encourage Iowans to visit state parks, support local tourism this summer
For more information contact:
Staci Hupp Ballard, Chief Strategic Communications Officer,
Iowa Economic Development Authority, 515.348.6245
Todd Coffelt, State Parks Bureau Chief,
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515.330.9204
New opportunities encourage Iowans to visit state parks, support local tourism this summer
June 11, 2020 (Des Moines, IA) - The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Iowa Tourism Office and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced two new opportunities for Iowans to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks and also to support tourism attractions and businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis:
- A free “digital passport” encourages Iowans to discover new state parks and enjoy the outdoors. State park visitors can sign up online for the passport and receive prizes for visiting multiple parks across the state. The digital passport also will provide discounts to restaurants and tourist attractions near each state park. The passport is a joint promotion between the IEDA’s Iowa Tourism Office and the DNR.
- An online gift card marketplace offering e-gift cards or pre-paid admission to museums, zoos, aquariums, wineries, breweries, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds and other attractions across Iowa. A program of the IEDA’s Iowa Tourism Office, the marketplace drives cash flow to attractions and businesses while allowing travelers to visit when the time is right.
“Iowa has a beautiful landscape, and our pristine state parks are a vital part of the State’s economy,” Gov. Reynolds said. “The new Gift Card Marketplace and Iowa State Parks Digital Passport programs are great ways to support Iowa’s recreational and cultural gems at a pivotal time, as we reopen Iowa’s economy, celebrate the 100th anniversary of state parks and head into the pe
