Celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week: A Look at the Top of Iowa Welcome Center

National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7-13, is an excellent time to recognize the significant contributions of the travel industry to the U.S. economy. This year's theme, #TravelForward, focuses on the role of travel in driving economic growth and innovation and how it can help shape a better future for all.

National Travel and Tourism Week was established in 1983 and is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry's role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, nurturing business, and elevating the quality of life for our citizens. 

A valuable resource for tourism and travel: Worth County's Welcome Center

Tourism is essential for Iowa as it generates jobs, increases revenue in Iowa's communities, and supports the community's "quality of life." These are elements that confirm Iowa is an excellent place to live, work and run a business. One great example of how travel and tourism can boost local economies is the Top of Iowa Welcome Center at Exit 214 on I-35 near 
Northwood, Worth County. This is Iowa's official Welcome Center, sharing its space with the Iowa Department of Transportation Interstate Rest Area. The Welcome Center was completed in June 1998 through a public/private partnership, and since then, it has become a valuable resource for travelers in the area.

The Top of Iowa Welcome Center: A one-stop shop for travel information in Iowa

The Top of Iowa Welcome Center offers a range of services to visitors, including travel brochures for hundreds of destinations and attractions throughout Iowa. 

The knowledgeable travel counselors on staff assist visitors with information about places to go, where to stay, shopping, historical interests, agriculture and eco-tours, where to eat like the locals, enjoy craft beer, wine, and spirits, and much more. The Center is a one-stop shop for all the information travelers need to make the most of their time in Iowa.

The Top of Iowa Welcome Center also features a Patriotic Rock honoring the service of women in the military. The Rock was painted by Ray "Bubba" Sorenson, known for his 99-county Freedom Rock Tour, and showcases the stories of women who have served in the military, including those who disguised themselves as men to fight in the Civil War.

Tourism is an essential industry for Iowa, generating jobs and revenue for local communities. It also helps promote the state's assets to residents and visitors and presents Iowa as a great place to live, work, and do business. As travel and tourism rebound from the impact of the pandemic, it's more important than ever to support local businesses and attractions and encourage visitors to explore all Iowa has to offer.

To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, we must recognize travel's crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation. The Top of Iowa Welcome Center is an excellent example of how travel and tourism can benefit 
local communities as a valuable resource for anyone traveling through Iowa. By supporting the travel industry and exploring all Iowa offers, we can help create a brighter future for everyone. Find out more about the Welcome Center and how you can explore various travel options in Iowa here. 

Winn-Worth Betco: Supporting growth and businesses in Winn-Worth Counties

The Winnebago and Worth Counties Betterment Council (Winn-Worth Betco) supports all businesses and developers looking to grow in our 14 communities. 

We work closely with existing businesses and entrepreneurs to help their companies expand, hire employees, and secure the incentives they need to fund various projects. Our objective is to provide whatever support is necessary to spur economic and job growth within the region. Find out more about how your local business can grow and prosper here.