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16 July 2010
Summer is when many Iowa families are out and about, looking for fun things to do.
Iowa has much to offer at our state, county and local parks, and at our numerous rivers and lakes. There are also many cultural attractions and events, ranging from small town celebrations to large music and art festivals.
Our efforts to make Iowa a great place to live, work and play have earned national recognition. Congressional Quarterly Press ranks Iowa second in the nation for quality of life. In fact, we’ve been among the top 10 most livable states for 18 straight years and placed in the top five for 13 of those years. In addition, Congressional Quarterly Press placed us ninth for number of state parks, recreational areas and natural areas.
Iowa’s image as one of the most livable states in the nation helps attract new residents and businesses, while keeping citizens and companies in our state.
We are continuing to invest in Iowa’s recreational areas and are helping communities promote their own attractions through:
- Iowa Great Places, which focuses state resources to help specific Iowa communities, regions and neighborhoods cultivate the unique and authentic qualities that make them special (www.iowagreatplaces.gov).
- Historic Preservation Tax Incentives, which help restore Iowa’s historic buildings and revitalize the surrounding areas (www.iowahistory.org/historic-preservation/tax-incentives-for-rehabilitation/index.html).
- Community Attraction & Tourism and River Enhancement Community Attraction & Tourism. These programs help communities capitalize on local assets to develop attractions and increase economic activity (www.iowalifechanging.com/vision).
- Resource Enhancement and Protection provides state funds to local groups investing in natural resources projects, historic preservation and cultural opportunities (www.iowadnr.gov/reap/expend.html).
- Water quality and soil conservation programs are helping restore Iowa lakes and improve watersheds to increase outdoor recreational opportunities and boost local economic activity (www.iowadnr.gov/water/watershed).
- Creating and expanding Iowa’s trail system to increase recreational opportunities for bikers, hikers, canoeists and kayakers, and snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts, while helping grow businesses along the trails (www.iowadnr.gov/trails).
By responsibly building on our state’s legacy, we’ll draw more visitors to Iowa, while creating economic activity and local jobs. It all adds up to making Iowa a great place to live, work and play long into the future.
If you’re looking for fun and interesting activities this summer—or anytime—be sure to check out the Iowa Tourism site at www.traveliowa.com and the State Parks site at www.iowadnr.gov/parks/.
