Wander Often. Wander Wide. Wander Western Iowa. Stop scrolling and start driving; trade your screen for back roads and make the countryside your ultimate destination from May 22nd through September 7th, 2026. As your Summer Compass, the passport guides you along scenic routes, connecting breathtaking regional trails with the heart of our rural main streets. It is your master key to rural roots, unlocking local charm at every stop.
It’s Easy! Pick up a passport booklet at any participating business and embark on your journey through local shops, restaurants, service providers, and experiences. Simply collect stamps as you explore and connect with the neighbors and small businesses that make Western Iowa vibrant. Each stamp earned gets you closer to a prize basket full of local treasures.
So, gather your friends, let curiosity lead the way, and create your own extraordinary story just over the next hill. Let’s Wander!
The 2026 Western Iowa Rural Passport is designed to lead you off the beaten path and into the heart of our vibrant communities. While every passport turned in is eligible for our Explorer Drawings, those who go the extra mile (literally!) unlock even greater rewards.
Every Stamp Counts. Think of your passport as a collection of moments. Each stamp represents a local business supported, a new flavor savored, or a scenic route discovered. Every single stamp you earn increases your chances of winning one of our curated prizes.
The 2026 Western Iowa Rural Passport is open to explorers aged 18 and older. To ensure as many neighbors as possible can join the adventure, participation is limited to one passport booklet per family.
Questions about the program and how to get involved? Reach out to us at [email protected] or contact Stacie Kinney, Executive Director of WIDA, at 712-406-6234.
While your passport is your guide to our local shops and eateries, some of the most extraordinary stories are found in the open air. You’ll notice several Discovery Points throughout your journey, like our regional trails, county parks, scenic byways, and local farmers' markets. No Stamp? No Problem. These landmarks are included to help you experience the full heart of our rural communities. While these specific spots don't offer stamps, they offer something even better: a chance to explore off the beaten path and see the beauty just over the next hill.
Plan. Research. Explore. We encourage you to use these locations as your "Summer Compass." Plan your route around a trailhead, stop for a picnic at a county park, or time your visit with a Saturday morning farmers market. There is so much more to our towns than just a storefront— go find it!
Whether you have stamped every page or discovered just a few local treasures along the way, we want to hear from you! When it is time to wrap up your summer adventure, here is what to do next:
Privacy Promise: We take your privacy seriously. The information you provide will only be used to administer the program and announce the winners. Your information will never be shared with third parties and will be deleted at your request after the season concludes.
Thank You for Wandering. We hope your summer was filled with wide-open views, extraordinary stories, and the quiet joy of the back roads. Thank you for letting curiosity be your guide and for discovering the heart of Western Iowa with us. Keep wandering until we meet again in 2027.
Trailblazer Sponsors:
Landmark Sponsors:
Voyager Sponsors:
Signature Business Boosters:
Postmark Business Boosters:
Stamp Business Boosters:
