BOONE, Iowa—Boone County’s tourism efforts are in full swing as the travel show season remains busy, according to Kris Blocker, executive director of the Boone County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The BCCVB team has exhibited at shows in Kansas City, Mo., Schaumburg, Ill., Indianapolis, and Omaha, and La Crosse, Wis., so far in 2025 to share the Boone County tourism story. “The Kansas City show was back for the first time since the COVID pandemic, and we were thrilled to share our story with that audience,” Blocker said. “Schaumburg had record number of attendees, so its organizers continue to find ways to bring more people to the show.”

Next up, she will head to Perry, Ga., to film another episode of “RV There Yet” while participating in a travel show. The hosts of the popular Discovery Channel program visited Boone County and Ames last October as part of a production session for a show featuring local sights, including the Ledges State Park, Rail Explorers and High Trestle Trail.

The 2025 Boone County Visitor Guide is now available, featuring the theme “Your Year-Round Playground.” Blocker said this year’s 52-page guide highlights Boone County’s unique ability to embrace all four of Iowa’s seasons and promotes year-round attractions.

“The guides are mailed to Iowa’s 14 welcome centers around the state, as well as other visitor bureaus in the state. They’re also in all the hotels in Boone, some hotels in Ames and some businesses around the county,” said Blocker, who added that an online version is available at www.visitboonecounty.com/visitor-guide/, where print copies can also be requested.

Another major focus this year is an effort to update and expand the network of wayfinding signs across the county. “Currently, signs are placed at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, Seven Oaks, and the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. Thanks to an Iowa Tourism Grant, seven to eight additional signs will be installed, which will help visitors navigate Boone County’s top destinations,” Blocker said. “The grant will cover 80% of the sign design process. The goal is to complete the work by early fall, but we hope that we might have it done even sooner.”

Blocker encourages the public to follow the BCCVB’s social media channels – Visit Boone County, IA. For updates on other initiatives and other events check out the website at www.visitboonecounty.com.

(contributed press release, City of Boone)