Mission Statement

Promoting leisure recreation and historical treasures

in Boone County, Iowa.

A message from Executive Director, Kris Blocker

The 3rd Quarter every year is the busiest by far in Boone County, Iowa. We experienced thousands of people in our area the past couple months. As I listen to peoples stories no matter where they are from, they are always amazed how friendly people are. “Iowa Nice” is a real thing. So, continue to be great ambassadors.

I’m most excited for being a part of RV There Yet, which will be filmed the first part of October then air sometime next spring. This only came about because of great relationships with Ames Regional Economic Alliance & Discover Ames. Watch for some behind the scenes sneak peaks soon on our social media.

The 2025 Visitor Guide information has been mailed. Deadlines are fast approaching so don’t miss the opportunity to have your business or organization in front of thousands of people.

We are here to help every step of the way!

Kris Blocker,

Executive Director

VIEW ALL EVENTS

WHO Radio Interview at the Iowa State Fair

Visit Boone County, IA Tourism is GROWING!

Welcome BCCVB NEW MEMBERS and thank you for joining Boone County Tourism. Click their picture below to find out more about these new members.

Weather or Naut

Located in Boone, Iowa, they are the "Driveway Breakfast Headquarters." A small food stand with catering options that are available for your next event.

Mrs. Slobberworth's

Located in Downtown Boone, Iowa, they are helping build positive relationships between dogs and their humans through training and support.

Honey Creek Golf Club

Located just outside of Boone, Iowa, this 18-hole championship golf course is nestled in the beautiful trees, rolling hills, and scenery of Ledges State Park.

One Stop Deals

Located in Downtown Boone, Iowa, this store features deals from Big Name retailers at 50% off or more below retail prices. Enhancing your shopping experience will be an ice cream shop that opened Sept 20th.

Become a Member Today!

There's never been a better time to become a BCCVB member. As Boone County Tourism continues to grow, be apart of the businesses, organizations & attractions that makes Boone County an Iowa Destination. You won't want to miss the October 15th deadline to be showcased in the 2025 Visitor Guide. Contact Kris Blocker (515) 433-6900 for more information.

"Traveling, it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller." -Ibn Battuta

Thank you for investing in Boone County Tourism and being a part of the many reasons & businesses that make Boone County one of thee GREAT destinations in the state of Iowa! Click the Business Name to learn more.

Jodi's Hometown Boutique

New fall fashions have arrived, along with plenty of EASY parking in front of the store! This family owned, high quality boutique specializes in unique one of a kind pieces at affordable prices. You will also find West 5th Vintage as a new featured vendor in the JH Boutique. Come check out at Jod's Hometown Boutique, which is a new business on the Junk Jaunt held Sept 27-29.

Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

The Treehouse Village is open & ready to be explored along with 160 acres of natural fun including the Children's Garden, Hammock Hangout & Wisteria Tunnel. This unique showplace also contains over 5,000 accessioned woody and herbaceous plants. It is one of the largest and most diverse displays of plants that can be successfully grown in Iowa.

Whatcha Smokin'

BBQ + Brew

2024 Iowa State Fair Best New Food top 3 finalist! Located along HWY 17 in Luther, Iowa, you'll find Central Texas-style craft BBQ smoked daily and served fresh. What started many years ago as a gas station and then motorcycle-shop, has now turned into Iowa's favorite BBQ destination. It opened in 2017 and very proudly debuted at the Iowa State Fair in 2023 next to the Iowa Craft Beer Tent!

Wilcox Printing & Publishing

Now in its third generation of family ownership, Wilcox Printing & Publishing offers a full spectrum of media services from idea conception, layout and design, to finished product. A wide variety of print options from one color to full color. They have created the vividly colored and professionally bound Visit Boone County, IA Visitors Guides that gets in the hands of 1000s every year!

Visit Boone County, IA Tourism Highlights

Parade Grand Marshals

Congratulations to Don Lincoln for being honored as the Grand Marshal during the Madrid Labor Day Celebration Parade.

Nights On The Green- That's a Wrap!

From the Downtown Green Space to the Central Iowa Expo, Nights On The Green with Free music, entertainment, food & activities was enjoyed by many. Held the 1st Friday evening of the Month May-Sept. Nights On The Green has concluded for this year, but mark your calendars for it's return again next year.

Thank you to our Sponsors: Landus Cooperative, Boone County Hospital, Ogden Telephone, Elmquist Towing & Recovery & DMACC. Thank you to all that attended and participated in this fun community event.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Treehouse Village had their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sept. 4th with 200 in attendance to help celebrate this great addition to Boone County Tourism. The Treehouse Village includes access to the Prairie & Woodland Trails and includes an elevated play structure, several treehouses, a suspension bridge and many accessible elements including paved trails, a wheelchair swing, and walkways to accommodate families of all ages and abilities.

Treehouse Village Info

IMCA Super Nationals

The 42nd annual IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals held Sept 2-7 had another record number of cars. Continually growing from 909 cars in 2021, this year's count was 1,032, the 3rd year in a row that over 1000 racers have came to Boone, Iowa. Those cars come from 30 states, equaling the mark set last year, two Canadian provinces and Australia. Thank you to all that made this event a great success.

Coming from Around the World to Attend the Farm Progress Show

The nation's largest outdoor farm show returned to Boone Aug. 27-29 with over 30+ countries in attendance. More than 500 exhibitors and 360 acres of field demonstrations were showcased to attendees, which 90% of those in attendance said they came to see the newest products and practices. This event that stated in 1953 is held every other year in Boone, Iowa and will return in 2026. Thank you to all the workers and volunteers that made this event a great success.

Pictured: Governor Kim Reynolds with Boone County Hospital employees. BCH was onsite providing care at the FPS24.

Be Part of the Progress

WHO Tractor Ride

The 27th annual WHO Great Iowa Tractor Ride was held over three days (June 24-26), where tractors from all over the United States made various stops in Boone and the surrounding area. The event kicked off with a Pancake Fundraiser at the Boone County Fairgrounds and on the final day, Landus welcomed 300 tractor riders for lunch. Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, was even reported to be in attendance driving a tractor. Check out this incredible photo gallery by Landus.

2024 WHO Tractor Ride Photo Gallery

Trace Adkins & Bryce Leatherwood Headlined at the Central Iowa Expo

Trace Adkins & Season 22 of The Voice winner, Bryce Leatherwood, held a concert at the Central Iowa Expo that was enjoyed by many fans. Jordan Beem opened with a moving performance of the National Anthem and was later presented with a signed guitar by Adkins & Leatherwood for his moving performance.

Marketing Coordinator Joins the BCCVB Team

Alison Purtle joins the BCCVB team as a part-time Marketing Coordinator to assist in promoting & enhancing Visit Boone County, IA. Tourism presence on social media, newsletter creation & more. As the owner of a local vacation rental, the 607 Guest House LLC, and marketing assistant with her husband, Clay at Photon Laser Engraving LLC, she has a vested interest to help grow Visit Boone County, IA. Tourism and promote the members that make Boone an Iowa Destination.

News or Event Info to Share?

If you're a Visit Boone County, IA (BCCVB) Member and have news or event information that you would like to share, we would love to promote you & get the word out.

Please email either: kris@visitboonecounty.com or alison@visitboonecounty.com

Note: Information provided is used at the discretion of BCCVB.

Member News & Events

Visit & Learn More on the Iowa Arboretum, Gardens & Treehouse Village

Showcase Your Organization

Do you have an attraction or service designed for families with children? Sunday, October 27, 2024 1-4PM Families travel the Treehouse Village paved trail. Treat spots on the trail for your organization to: Give treats like candy, coupons, pencils, etc. Talk with families about what you offer. Have fun & wear a costume (optional)! Organizations participate for FREE!

Please contact Kim Anderson - kim@iowaarboretum.org

Share Your Experience

Topic: Pet-Friendly Tourism

Each quarterly newsletter we'll feature a new "Share Your Experience" topic where we invite you to provide a photo or video short of a place that you have visited in Boone County, IA. The top 5 or more pictures &/or video shorts will be featured to help show case tourism for Visit Boone County, IA &/or Travel Iowa.

If you have a favorite spot in Boone County, IA that you and your furry companion have traveled to, please share and you could be the next Visit Boone County, IA or Travel Iowa highlight.