(Cass Co.) Tourism and travel generated $16.6 million in economic impact for Cass County in 2025, supporting local businesses and jobs, according to a new report released by the Iowa Tourism Office.
The report found that travel-related spending in Cass County decreased 2.3% from 2024. It marks the county’s first annual decline in tourism expenditures since 2020.
Despite the decrease, Cass County saw an increase in visitor spending in the recreation category, which includes museums, event venues, historical sites, golf courses and fairs. The category also includes public murals, which have expanded throughout Cass County.
Those attractions help showcase the county’s cultural offerings and provide reasons for visitors to explore the area.
Tourism supported 104 jobs in Cass County in 2025, highlighting the industry’s role in the local economy.
Statewide, Iowa welcomed a record 46.3 million visitors last year, who spent $7.6 billion. Tourism generated a total economic impact of $11.3 billion and produced $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue. The industry supported more than 72,000 jobs across Iowa.
The study was conducted by Tourism Economics, a group within Oxford Economics.
For more information on Cass County tourism, visit www.casscountyia.gov/county-departments/tourism/.
