O’Brien County has been making waves in the tourism sector, and their efforts have been recognized, recently receiving the prestigious Geode Award, named after the official Iowa state rock. O’Brien County leads the state in largest increase in tourism-related expenditures. Kiana Johnson, Executive Director of the O’brien County Economic Development Corporation was at the event in March to receive the award.

Johnson says the strategy is not to just increase tourism but also retain the current population, and keep kids here after high school. A yearly career fair for high schoolers helps, too.

 

Looking ahead, O’Brien County has exciting plans in the realm of agritourism. They’re teaming up with folks like the social media personality “Iowa Gallivant” to showcase the fun and educational side of agriculture, from pumpkin picking to milking cows. Visit www.TourOBrienCounty.org to learn more