A month ago I mentioned the new Iowa highway map did not include the Dows welcome center, further confirmed by the removal of signs for it on I-35. Austin Draude of KLMJ Radio in Hampton let me know that while the Dows Depot’s welcome center status has been revoked, it is still open. Reprinted below, with his permission, is the news story the station ran.
Those traveling near Dows may notice the Iowa Welcome Center signs are gone. That’s because the Dows Depot is no longer an official Iowa Welcome Center. Mary Ellen Patterson is the director of the Depot and told KLMJ news that lack of funding has hurt the Depot.
After being closed during the winter, the Depot reopened in April. Patterson says the loss of advertising on the interstate has led to the loss of visitors to the Depot.
The Depot is still home to various historical items, maps and various items to purchase. While there is no attendant in the building, Patterson says anyone wanting to purchase items may do so by going to the mercantile in Dows.