Tourist group tries to capitalize on real life Iowa experience

A northeast Iowa tourism organization is hoping to capitalize on a growing trend toward real life vacation experiences. The “Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area” represents 37 counties in northeast Iowa. Spokesman Peter Jorgensen says they’ve lined up four bus tours to the area this summer that he calls “LIFE” or “Living an Iowa Farm Experience” tours.Tourists will see first hand how Iowans produce the animals and crops that feed our nation. Jorgensen says “Heritage Tourism” is the fastest growing segment of the industry among “Baby Boomers,” who’re tired of the same old vacation experiences like visiting Disneyland. Jorgenson says his organization helped line up the stops for the initial four tours this summer.They hope to sell the tours to the nation’s 600 motorcoach operators and make Iowa a regular stop on their tour agendas. Jorgensen says he’s been amazed at the Iowans wanting to participate. He says he had 50 sites interested in participating.The first tour is June 30th. For more information, visit: www.silosandsmokestacks.org.