Posted 23 September, 2025
The City of Bondurant plans to establish the Silo Commons, a unique outdoor performance and community venue. The development will include a permanent amphitheater affixed to the silo, a 110-foot-tall rock-climbing course on the silo, an event lawn that can accommodate up to 850 people, an interactive bouldering feature, plaza space, mural and light displays and a direct connection to the Chichaqua Valley Trail system. The venue is expected to generate up to 30,000 visits annually through programmed events alone. The $3 million project was awarded a $749,000 grant.
The Southwest Iowa Nature Trails Project, Inc. and City of Shenandoah plans to build the Wabash Trace Rapp Park Connector Trail, linking the 63-mile-long Wabash Trace Nature Trail to the outdoor recreation opportunities in southwest Iowa. The different components aim to upgrade and create safer off-road connections to different sporting activities, local shops and the 200-acre Rapp Park. It is estimated that the trail will draw 75,000 annual visitors. The $2.5 million project was awarded a $600,000 grant.
The City of West Des Moines plans to construct an events center at the community’s RecPlex, a successful indoor sports complex. The new 100,000-square-foot enclosed facility will include sufficient spectator seating for large-scale events and allow for the conversion of ice arenas into multipurpose configurations. It will attract visitors from across the country year-round, with direct annual spending estimated at $6.8 million. The $40 million project was awarded a $5 million grant.
The Destination Iowa program invests in transformational attractions that will bolster the quality of life and attract visitors and new residents. It helps Iowa communities make strategic investments to create and support infrastructure projects for lasting tourism opportunities. Award recommendations for these funds are made by an internal and external review committee and presented to the IEDA Board for approval.