The Epic Iowa Road Trip made its journey into Western Iowa today (Friday). A specially wrapped motor coach is traveling 2,100 miles promoting more than 60 tourism destinations in 33 counties and 46 communities across the state of Iowa. The trip began earlier this week in Eastern Iowa and made several stops in the area today. The Epic Iowa Road Trip ventured into Shelby County Friday afternoon. The first stop was at the Danish Windmill Welcome Center.

The motorcoach then stopped in Avoca at Farmall Land USA. Shawna Lode, Iowa Tourism Office Manager, said they have seen all portions of Iowa. “We started on Friday, May 2nd in Ottumwa and since that time we have traveled to all parts of the state from the eastern side to the central side and we are concluding on the Western side of the state.” She says the tour group has seen a lot of diversity.  “We were at Pella Tulip time and we visited the Iowa Speedway in Newton. Those are two big name destinations in the state. But we have also visited some of the unknown places like the little Brown Church or here at Farmall Land that is a hidden treasure and we want Iowans to know about.”

Lode says the Tourism committee had a great response and the road trip could become an annual event. “We have had a tremendous response and we are really happy with how the nine days have gone. We will sit back in a week or so and then talk about next year.”

On Saturday, the Epic Iowa Road Trip will head towards the Loess Hills with stops at the Council Bluffs Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Harrison County Visitor’s Center on Highway 30 and the Twisted Tail in Beebeetown. The Road Trip will conclude Saturday in Sioux City. The Epic Iowa Road Trip is a partnership among the Central Iowa Tourism Region, Eastern Iowa Tourism Association, Western Iowa Tourism Region and Iowa Tourism Office to promote tourism destinations in the state and raise awareness of tourism’s impact on Iowa’s economy.

(Joel McCall/KNOD)