–Iowa Tourism officials recently recognized work done at the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend with their Geode Award. Amy Zeigler serves as a State Tourism Manager at the Iowa Tourism Office in Des Moines, and she tells KLGA News that they created the Geode Award in 2024.
The Grotto of the Redemption was recognized for the work of Rose Walker, who took over as Director of Operations in 2024.
Zeigler says that destinations like the Grotto are what makes tourism in Iowa stand out in the Midwest.
The Grotto was one of seven organizations to receive the Geode Award for 2026. Zeigler says he Iowa Tourism office teams up with these local destinations in both urban and rural settings.
In 2024, tourism in Iowa generated more than $7.5 Billion, with more than $1.2 Billion supporting state and local governments, while employing nearly 72,000 people. You can find out more by going to www.traveliowa.com.
