September 24, 2025, Osage, Iowa, – Last Friday, Osage welcomed visitors from across a tri-state region for the Evolution of the Heartland tour, a day dedicated to showcasing the vibrancy of small-town Iowa, its agritourism treasures, and the people who make it thrive. Guests traveled from Iowa communities as far as DeWitt, Harlan, Lake City, and beyond, as well as from Minnesota and Nebraska, underscoring the broad appeal of rural Iowa experiences.
The event kicked off at the historic Cedar Valley Seminary, where guests enjoyed fresh pastries, egg bake, and coffee while learning from Director, Nikole Gast, about the Seminary’s rich history – including a move across town and its modern-day role in serving the community. Osage Mayor Steve Cooper, Iowa’s longest-serving mayor, shared his reflections on the strength and resilience of the town, emphasizing Osage’s commitment to overcoming challenges and growing stronger together.
From there, attendees experienced the mission-driven work of Healthy Harvest of North Iowa, led by Marie Morud and Andrea Evelsizer, complete with a taste of their locally sourced “sneaky chef chili.” The growing local food movement in North Iowa was on full display, highlighting the abundance of ways to buy and support local.
The day’s tours continued with a behind-the-scenes experience at Limestone Brewers, where two of the three owners, Tony Wynorhad and Josh Olsen, shared how craft beer is bringing life and energy back to Osage’s downtown. Guests sampled small-batch brews and fresh pizza while gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry of brewing and the brewery’s role in strengthening the local community.
Lunch was a highlight at Taste., the reservation-only farm-to-table restaurant by Chef Jes Baldus. Guests were treated to picture-perfect grazing boards and admired Jes’s inspiring journey of entrepreneurship. Her culinary vision extends into multiple ventures, including The Market, The Bakery, Piggyback Smoke Shack’s ghost kitchen, and the hidden gem Blind Pig Speakeasy. Each reflects her passion for elevating local food while keeping community at the center.
Afternoon stops brought attendees to Stillwater Greenhouse, where owners Daniel and Reba Zimmerman welcomed visitors to explore their flourishing greenhouse business and stock up on plants. At Mitchell County Conservation, Andy Taets and Chelsea Rowcliffe showcased the county’s trails, natural resources, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Side-by-side rides and education programs gave guests an exciting glimpse into how conservation and community go hand-in-hand.
The day concluded back at the Blind Pig Speakeasy, where Chef Jes provided an unforgettable evening atmosphere to close out a day full of discovery, flavor, and storytelling.
“This event was a celebration of everything Osage does best, welcoming visitors, supporting local entrepreneurs, and proving that rural Iowa is full of innovation and heart,” said Natashia Newhouse, Osage Chamber of Commerce.
Evolution of the Heartland gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors, Travel Iowa and the Iowa Food & Family Project, who help make events like these possible. Together, they remind us that rural Iowa is not just a place, it is an experience waiting to be discovered.
Evolution of the Heartland is a collaborative marketing initiative that brings communities, businesses, and partners together to market rural Iowa, showcasing its agritourism and unique experiences to promote tourism. For more information and to become a part of the evolution, visit: www.evolutionoftheheartland.com
