POCAHONTAS — The Iowa Tourism office named DiscoverPoco.com as the 2021 best rural tourism website in the state of Iowa at the Iowa Tourism Conference on Wednesday.

DiscoverPoco.com, short for “Discover Pocahontas County”, was launched by the Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission (PCEDC) in late August of 2020. The website promotes all there is to see and do in Pocahontas County: outdoor recreation, historical sites, museums, shopping, dining, camping, events, and more.

“The DiscoverPoCo website was created to increase awareness of Pocahontas County’s businesses and attractions, draw in visitors from outside the county, inform and entice county residents to explore areas and businesses in the county they’ve never been to, and surpass expectations for a rural website,” said Emily Williams, marketing coordinator.

The PCEDC worked with all nine communities in Pocahontas County to create an online database of over 150 retail stores, restaurants, artists and markers, parks, landmarks, and more. On top of the robust attractions database, PCEDC also added a calendar, blog, maps, videos, and more to the site. All of these elements work together to present Pocahontas County as an appealing place with much to discover.

The website also serves as a fantastic resource for those already familiar with the county, encouraging county residents or those nearby to discover all the unexpected surprises they haven’t yet experienced in Pocahontas County. Blog posts and trip ideas include headlines such as “Top Areas to Explore with your Four- Legged Friend” and “Ideas for the Hardy Hunter.”

“Increased travel to and within the county will help grow the state’s and county’s economy through increased travel expenditures,” said Tom Grau, economic development director. “Our goal is to bring as many people into the county as we can.”