AGP Executive Report

Fall Getaways: Choose Iowa’s Fall Crawl features nearly 130 farms, orchards and other businesses, offering plenty of stops for seasonal outings. Northeast Iowa Link: The new Lansing Bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin is set to open Nov. 6, months ahead of schedule, restoring a key route for visitors and residents. Road Alerts: Expect overnight I-80 closures starting Oct. 11 near Des Moines, plus upcoming work on I-35/80, I-380 and Iowa 415; check routes before heading out. Trails and Trains: The Rolling Prairie Trail expansion near Dumont is nearing completion, while historic White Pole Road is offering a chance to ride the rails as travelers did a century ago. Outdoor Plans: Iowa DNR will stock 1,500 trout at 20 locations starting Oct. 23, giving anglers a reason to plan a fall fishing trip.

Fall Weekends: Choose Iowa’s second annual Fall Crawl runs statewide today and Sunday, with about 125 farms, orchards, pumpkin patches and farm stores ready to welcome visitors. The free Choose Iowa Passport helps plan stops. Dubuque Adventure: Sundown Mountain hosts Mayhem on the Mountain today, with off-road trails, rock crawling, obstacle challenges, music and food. Heritage Travel: A historic White Pole Road train ride offers a chance to travel as people did in 1926. Road Notes: Expect southbound I-380 lane and ramp closures Oct. 11–18, an overnight closure of Iowa 415 and the Mile Long Bridge Oct. 15–16, and westbound I-35/80 lane and ramp closures in Des Moines Oct. 16–19. The Iowa-Wisconsin bridge at Lansing is set to open Nov. 6. Visitor News: Iowa City reports its biggest visitor surge since 2020.

Historic Rail Excursion: On Oct. 17, century-old passenger cars will run between Stewart and Adair, offering a 40-minute ride and supporting the White Pole Road Scenic Byway. Visitors can explore the 26-mile route through Adair, Casey, Menlo, Stuart and Dexter. Outdoor Getaways: Des Moines County is improving accessible campsites at Big Hollow Recreation Area and adding boat docks at Sullivan Slough. The Calkins Nature Area also draws visitors whose stops support nearby Hardin County businesses. Fall Flavors: Iowa cideries are celebrating National Cider Month, with tasting spots from Waverly and Fairfield to Cascade, Norwalk and Iowa City. Travel Alert: Overnight eastbound I-80 closures near the Southwest Mixmaster are planned Oct. 11–13; NE 29th Street near the Northeast Mixmaster is set to close Oct. 14 for bridge work.

Road Updates: Eastbound I-80 between the Southwest Mixmaster and Jordan Creek Parkway will close overnight Oct. 11–13 for a traffic shift. NE 29th Street near the Northeast Mixmaster is also set to close Oct. 14 for bridge work; drivers should follow detours and check Iowa 511. Outdoor Recreation: Iowa DNR plans to stock 1,500 trout at 20 locations starting Oct. 23, offering a timely fall outing for anglers. The Rolling Prairie Trail expansion near Dumont is nearing completion, adding another option for visitors exploring Iowa by bike. Fall Events: Nearly 130 Choose Iowa businesses are taking part in the statewide Fall Crawl, inviting visitors to discover local stops and products. Visitor Trends: Iowa City has recorded its largest visitor surge since 2020, signaling renewed interest in the college town. Regional Connection: The new Iowa-Wisconsin bridge at Lansing is scheduled to open Nov. 6, improving access across the Mississippi River.

Visitor Trends: Iowa City recorded its largest visitor surge since 2020, a boost for local hotels, restaurants and attractions. Fall Outings: Iowa’s DNR will stock 1,500 trout at 20 sites starting Oct. 23, offering close-to-home fishing and family events. Tourism Links: Winterset may formalize a twinning arrangement with Cong, Ireland, connecting John Wayne’s birthplace with the village associated with The Quiet Man ahead of the film’s 75th anniversary. Travel Access: The new Iowa-Wisconsin bridge at Lansing is set to open Nov. 6, improving a key Mississippi River crossing. Local Experiences: Choose Iowa’s Fall Crawl features nearly 130 businesses, while a geode-hunting event drew visitors from 26 states and two countries.

Visitor Boom: Iowa City drew more than 208,000 visitors from 38 states during the Hawkeyes’ Ohio State weekend, its biggest tourism surge since 2020. College GameDay and the debut of Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe brought roughly half the crowd. Fall Getaways: Nearly 130 Choose Iowa businesses are taking part in the statewide Fall Crawl, inviting visitors to explore local farms, food and attractions. Air Access: Des Moines International Airport plans a new nonstop route to Orlando, adding a direct option for central Iowans heading to Florida. River Crossing: The Iowa-Wisconsin bridge at Lansing is set to open Nov. 6, improving a scenic Mississippi River route for travelers. Rockhounding Draw: A recent geode hunt brought visitors from 26 states and two countries to Iowa.

Fall Farm Stops: Nearly 130 Choose Iowa members welcome visitors Oct. 9–10 for a self-guided Fall Crawl featuring orchards, pumpkin patches, farm stores and local food. The free passport helps plan stops and offers rewards. Food Road Trip: Five finalists are competing for Iowa’s best breaded pork tenderloin, including three Eastern Iowa restaurants: Tin Roost in North Liberty, Sasquatch Jacks in Waverly and Landmark Grill & Grind in Williamsburg. The winner will be announced later this month. Mississippi River Crossing: The Lansing bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin is set to open Nov. 6, months ahead of schedule, restoring a key connection after lengthy detours and ferry rides. Fall Fishing: Iowa DNR plans to stock about 1,500 rainbow trout at 20 locations starting Oct. 23, bringing family-friendly fishing closer to communities statewide. Air Travel: Des Moines Airport plans to launch a new nonstop flight to Orlando, adding a direct option for Florida-bound travelers.

Family & Archives: Colorado genealogist Lisa Pedersen traced her roots to Bloomfield through the Bloomfield Democrat Archives, uncovering Civil War ties and a local lawyer ancestor buried in Bloomfield. Outdoor Fun (Iowa): The Iowa DNR plans fall community trout stockings—about 1,500 rainbow trout at 20 locations starting Oct. 23—aimed at “close to home” fishing for families. Sports Travel (Iowa): Iowa State women’s soccer heads to Arizona for a two-game series, starting Thursday at Arizona State in Tempe. Local Development (Des Moines): Plans unveiled for an MLS Next Pro team in Des Moines, including a new ~6,000-seat stadium near downtown. Agriculture & Fuel Relief: Gov. Kim Reynolds temporarily waives certain penalties tied to dyed diesel use for agricultural transport on Iowa roads through Feb. 2, 2027. Gas Prices (Iowa): GasBuddy reports mixed county-by-county fuel lows and statewide averages for the week ending Sept. 26, with diesel generally higher than gasoline.

Public Safety & Travel Info: A Lake Macbride State Park field trip tragedy is prompting renewed calls for faster, clearer public updates during emergencies, so rumors don’t fill the gap. Fall Fun & Family Travel: Anamosa Pumpkinfest drew a new giant pumpkin site record at the Ryan Norlin Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, while Clarksville’s Fall Craft Expo continues to grow into a major regional shopping and music stop. Agri Tourism: Illinois pumpkin production is up, with growers crediting timely rains and weather resilience—good news for fall harvest visitors. Community Events: “World Without Cows” is expanding its theatrical tour with select screenings, including Iowa, pairing film with local conversations about food and agriculture. Road & Getting Around: Iowa DOT and WisDOT say the Iowa 9/WIS 82 Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing should open Nov. 6, ending the free car ferry; Sioux City also faces lane closures starting Oct. 6 for pavement work. Local Quality of Life: Carlisle’s do-not-use-water order is pushing residents to nearby shower options, a reminder that even short disruptions can reshape travel plans.

Bridge Update: The Iowa 9/WIS 82 Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing is set to open to traffic the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 6—months ahead of the original spring 2027 plan—ending the months-long reliance on a free car ferry and a detour via the U.S. 18 bridge. Roadwork & Travel Delays: Sioux City drivers should expect lane closures starting Oct. 6 for crack-filling on Business U.S. 20/Gordon Drive and Iowa 376/Lewis Boulevard; Iowa DOT reminds travelers to use 511 for updates. Community Events: Sioux Center will hold a Highway 75 ribbon-cutting Oct. 12 (4–5:30 p.m. at Central Park) ahead of the road’s expected November reopening to through traffic. Family Travel Spotlight: Choose Iowa’s Fall Crawl returns Oct. 9–10 with nearly 130 stops statewide, including orchards, pumpkin patches, farm stores, and local food—visitors can use the free Choose Iowa Passport to plan routes. Local Human Interest: Davenport’s Tim Gleason has resigned as city administrator; Nicole Gleason will serve as acting administrator while the council decides next steps.

Travel & Retirement: A new Retirement Living ranking puts Iowa at No. 1 for retirees in 2026, citing affordability, low senior poverty, and strong quality-of-life factors like safety and lots of golf options. Study Abroad: Calvin students are wrapping up a fall semester abroad in France, with the program’s future affected by recent school cuts to French offerings. Public Health: Wisconsin reports 243 measles cases in 2026, and a local health officer warns the real number is likely higher because not everyone gets tested or linked to public health. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalls about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states because labels didn’t list certain yellow food dyes. Local Tourism & Events: Nuke-Con returns to Council Bluffs, drawing tabletop gamers from across the region and beyond for three days at the Mid-America Center. Iowa Business/Hotels: A new Atwell Suites by IHG is set to break ground in Tiffin, signaling more lodging options for Corridor travelers.

Iowa Travel & Tourism: Iowa’s Board of Regents says it won’t pay $15,000 for an “engaged governance” seminar, offering $5,000 instead—an Iowa City-area governance story with ripple effects for public higher-ed visitors and campus events. Local News (Iowa): Cedar Rapids men were charged after allegedly stripping metal from the Wasserbahn property near I-80, a reminder that roadside attractions and vacant sites can be targets. Weather & Road Travel (Iowa): Central Iowa is set for clear, cool conditions tonight with fog risk Monday morning, then a warm, dry stretch before light showers return late in the week. Travel Safety (Iowa): The Iowa State Patrol reported a strange I-80 incident where a driver tried to push another vehicle toward Nebraska at low speed, leading to a citation—useful for anyone planning long highway drives. Out-of-State Travel Impact: Federal funds were cut for Denali National Park’s sled dog kennel, threatening winter patrols and affecting a major Alaska visitor draw. Sports Tourism (Iowa): College GameDay returned to Iowa City for the first time in 20 years, bringing big crowds and overnight lineups to the Pentacrest.

College Football Tourism Buzz: ESPN’s College GameDay returned to Iowa City for the Ohio State–Iowa showdown, bringing thousands to the Pentacrest (and even overnight campers) and turning the Hawkeye Wave into a full-on travel magnet. Local Sports Spotlight: Iowa State’s Aiden Flora powered a wild 45-42 win over West Virginia in Ames, while Iowa fell to Ohio State 31-14 as Jeremiah Smith set multiple receiving marks. Road Safety: A fatal motorcycle crash shut down northbound I-380 in Linn County for about 35 minutes. Travel Planning Watch: AAA says Iowans should book holiday travel now or pay more later. Fun Stops on the Calendar: The Totally Rad Vintage Fest is headed to Des Moines on Oct. 10 after a stop in Indiana. Health & Safety for Travelers: A new report warns radon levels are rising in some popular destinations. Big Picture: A national gas-price drop of nearly 7 cents to $4.41 may help road-trip budgets.

Big Ten GameDay Buzz (Iowa City): College GameDay returned to Iowa City for the first time in 20 years, drawing thousands to the Pentacrest and turning Clinton Street into a full-on travel-and-tourism magnet for fans coming in from across the country. Kinnick Stadium Spotlight: Iowa fell to Ohio State 31-14, with Ohio State QB Julian Sayin throwing for 324 yards and three TDs, while Iowa’s Hank Brown added a late spark. Gas Prices Watch: The national average for regular gas dropped nearly 7 cents to about $4.41, after a record September—good news for road-trippers planning fall getaways. Radon Warning for Travelers: A new report flags rising radon levels in several popular destinations, a reminder to test lodges and cabins before settling in. Community & Culture: The Anne Frank Initiative continues in Iowa City with an upcoming event tied to the Anne Frank tree, using local schools and writing to connect history to belonging. Safety Note: A fatal motorcycle crash closed northbound I-380 briefly near the Midway Overpass in Linn County.

Presidential Visit & Local Impact: A White House-selected stop at Vandalia-Butler’s Student Activity Center means a major presidential rally is landing in the region today, with local officials scrambling to prep on short notice. Iowa Travel & Air Service: Des Moines Airport is set to launch a new direct flight to Orlando, a big boost for holiday and theme-park travel. Road Disruption: A serious crash shut down parts of I-35/I-80 in Clive, with alternate routes urged as investigators and crews work. Game-Day Tourism: College GameDay is coming to Iowa City for the Ohio State-Iowa showdown, and fans are already talking up the “crazy” atmosphere. Nature & Fall Trips: Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway in South Dakota hit peak fall color, drawing visitors from beyond the region. Outdoor Recreation & Events: RiseFest in Sheldon announced early artist signings for June 2027 and says camping reservations are filling fast. Water Safety: Iowa DNR is investigating a manure runoff fish kill near Peosta, advising people to avoid using Little Maquoketa River water while cleanup and investigation continue.

Travel & Tourism: Des Moines International Airport is adding nonstop Saturday service to Orlando, starting June 2027, with Southwest—Orlando is already a top destination for Iowa travelers. Local Travel Updates: Mason City’s 1st Street NE and Pennsylvania Avenue intersection will reopen by Oct. 3, while another intersection (East State St. & Pennsylvania Ave.) stays closed until about five more days. Outdoor & Nature: The Iowa DNR is investigating a fish kill on the Little Maquoketa River near Peosta after manure runoff was found in a nearby tributary; cleanup is underway and downstream users are advised to avoid using the water. Community Events: Sheldon’s RiseFest is booking artists for June 2027 (June 11–12) and opening camping reservations Oct. 1. Sports Tourism: West Virginia makes its first true road trip to Ames in program history for a noon matchup at Iowa State on Saturday. Food & Local Retail: Hy-Vee is retiring its Dollar Fresh Market concept after eight years, converting stores to the Hy-Vee name and adding items like bakeries and full-service meat cases.