South Dakota Group Travel Update

There is plenty of new and noteworthy items going on in South Dakota this year, especially as it pertains to bus tour groups, and group travel and group tour planners. Read on below to find out what South Dakota has been cooking up for the group travel industry.

VERENDRYE MONUMENT NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK

On a windy hilltop overlooking the Missouri River, the Verendrye National Monument marks the spot, where in 1743 the brothers Chevalier and Louis la Verendrye buried a lead plate. Telling the local inhabitants they were commemorating harmony with the native peoples, they were in fact claiming the area for France. The plate was discovered by high school students in 1913, and is now on display at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center across the Missouri River in Pierre. The Verendrye Plate is considered one of the most significant historical finds in the northwestern United States. The first phase of the renovation returns the bluff to natural grasses, increases signage, improves parking and places a cairn of rocks to mark the discovery site. The second phase overhauls the entrance road. Contact: South Dakota State Historical Society, (605) 773-3458

ABA NAMES WILD BILL HICKOK DAYS AMONG NORTH AMERICAS TOP 100

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced Deadwoods Wild Bill Hickok Days, to be held June 15-18, 2006 as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2006 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Wild Bill Hickok Days offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA. Contact: Philys Reller, (605) 578-1876. Deadwood.org, [email protected]

PRESIDENTIAL SCULPTURES ADDED IN DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY

Three new presidential bronzes–James Polk, Herbert Hoover and Calvin Coolidge–have been placed in downtown Rapid City. The City of Presidents project began in 2000 and organizers plan to install statues of 40 presidents on downtown street corners over a 10-year period. Contact: Michelle Thomson, (605) 343-1744. RapidCityCVB.com, [email protected]

VIETNAM MEMORIAL DEDICATION TO BE HELD

As casualties increased and the war grew ever more unpopular in the United States, Vietnam soldiers heralded as heroes in the jungles were condemned as no better than criminals in their hometowns. The South Dakota Vietnam War Memorial takes one soldier, as a symbol of the many South Dakotans who served during this violent conflict, and elevates him to the status they all deserve: brave individuals who served their country at a time when it took as much courage to come home as it did to fight. The dedication takes place in Pierre Sept. 15-16.
Contact: Pierre Chamber of Commerce, (605) 224-7361. sdvietnamwarmemorial.com

REC AREA PREPS FOR 06 LAUNCH

South Dakotas newest state recreation area is Rocky Point Recreation Area. It will have 50 camping pads, a picnic shelter and other amenities when it is ready for the 2006 summer season. Rocky Point is near Orman Dam, which was once the worlds largest earthen dam.
Contact: Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce, (605) 892-2676

TERRY REDLINS VIDEO, AN AMERICAN PORTRAIT, WINS TELLY AWARD

Terry Redlins newest video production, An American Portrait has earned a Telly Award. An American Portrait highlights the making of Redlins newest series of seven paintings. The Redlin Art Center in Watertown is proud to feature complimentary showings of An American Portrait daily. This new, award-winning production will soon be released on DVD and will be available at the center. Contact: Julie Ranum, (877) TREDLIN. Redlinart.com, [email protected]

DAKOTA SIOUX CASINO OPENS NEW HOTEL

The Sisseton-Wahpeton tribe opened a 92-room hotel at the Dakota Sioux Casino and Hotel north of Watertown. The $7.9 million project is the first phase of what the tribe hopes will develop into a $17 million expansion. Contact: 605-884-1700

SOUTH DAKOTA WIND ENERGY CENTER OFFERS TOURS

The South Dakota Wind Energy Center, the states largest wind farm, began operation in October of 2003. It is located ten miles south of Highmore and has a generating capacity of 40 megawatts. Tours of the facility are now being offered. Contact: Mike Westberg, (605) 852-3222

BLACK HILLS WATER PARK RESORT TO OPEN

The Black Hills Water Park Resort when completed in summer of 2006 will boast a 20,000 square foot Atlantis Water Park and will be anchored by LaQuinta Inn and Suites on one end and the Fairfield Inn and Suites on the other. The LaQuinta will have 118 rooms and the Fairfield will have 138 rooms and meeting space for up to 450 people. Both will be offering tour rates for 2006. The resort is located on I-90 at Exit 61. Contact: Michelle Thomson, (605) 343-1744. RapidCityCVB.com, [email protected]

DEADWOOD ADDS ROOMS

Two hotels in Deadwood are making additions. The Celebrity hotel has added thirteen new guest rooms and casino floor space. The First Gold Hotel has also added more casino floor space and will have 65 new rooms available by May of 2006, giving them a total of 165 rooms and more to come. Contact: Philys Reller, (605) 578-1876. Deadwood.org, [email protected]

SIOUX FALLS EXPANDING

Several new hotels are opening in South Dakotas largest city. The Staybridge Suites recently opened with 90 rooms, the ClubHouse Hotel and Suites recently opened with 100 rooms and a new Quality Inn and Suites opened with 93 rooms and two meeting rooms. The Sheraton is adding 59 rooms for a total of 243 rooms. A brand new café, Falls Overlook Café opened at Falls Park, the citys namesake. Contact: Jessie Green, (605) 336-1620. SiouxFallsCVB.com, [email protected]

SCULPTURE WALK: PAVILION TO THE FALLS

SculptureWalk is an exhibit of outdoor sculptures from all mediums displayed from the Sioux Falls Pavilion to Falls Park. The art can be viewed throughout the year and is rotated annually. The exhibit draws large crowds and allows artists to create in a public outlet. The public votes on a favorite sculpture, and the winner is classified as the Peoples Choice Award. This sculpture will then be purchased by the city for its permanent collection. Contact: Jessie Green, (605) 336-1620. SiouxFallsCVB.com, [email protected]
MORE…

DEADWOOD SERIES CONTINUES

The Critically acclaimed HBO series, Deadwood again is featured primetime. Deadwood was a huge hit across the country in its first and second year. The first season is available on DVD and the second season will be available in 2006. The series is based on the historic gold-mining town of Deadwood where Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Potato Creek Johnny once made their homes. Contact: Nicole Nordbye, (605) 773-3301. FilmSD.com

HISTORIC FRANKLIN HOTEL BEING RENOVATED

The Franklin Hotel has anchored Deadwoods historic Main Street since 1903. The hotel was recently sold to Silverado Gaming of Deadwood and shut down for a $7 million historical renovation. Planned changes for the hotel include restoring the entrance to its original design, an addition to the rear of the hotel and making it handicap accessible. The Franklin is scheduled to re-open May 2006. Contact: Philys Reller, (605) 578-1876. Deadwood.org, [email protected]

MINERAL PALACE EXPANDS

The Mineral Palace in Deadwood is working on a $9 million expansion. The expansion will add three new store fronts and 22,000 square feet of additional space on three floors. The new storefronts were all originally on the Mineral Palace property and include the Green Front Theater, the Mineral Palace and the Gem Theater. The original Gem Theater burned 105 years ago. The existing Gem Steakhouse and Saloon will be moved to the second floor and triple in size. The third level will feature twelve new luxury suites. The new restaurant and banquet facilities are expected to open May 2006 while the property’s eight new casinos will open July 1, 2006. Contact: Philys Reller, (605) 578-1876. Deadwood.org, [email protected]

CORN PALACE PORTRAYS STATE SPORT

The Worlds Only Corn Palace in Mitchell will depict a Salute to Rodeo in 2006. Murals crafted from native grasses and corn will showcase the theme. The Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo is celebrating 35 years and is one of South Dakotas premier rodeos. Every third weekend in July thousands of people gather here to attend the nightly PRCA rodeo performances, as well as the many other entertaining activities that are provided throughout Rodeo Week.
Contact: Pam VanDover, (605) 996-6223. Cornpalace.com, [email protected]

MUSEUM RECEIVES EMMY NOD

Mary Kopco, director of Deadwoods Adams Museum & House, Inc., and research curator Jerry Bryant, were honored by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for historical research performed for HBOs Deadwood. Bryant and Kopco provided historical information for the art department to create authentic-looking sets. Contact: Kate Bentham, (605) 578-1928. Adamsmuseumandhouse.org, [email protected]

ADAMS MUSEUM UNDERGOES RENOVATIONS

The Adams Museum in Deadwood has undergone major renovations to make the facility more accessible and increase exhibit space. The gift shop is now larger and the entire museum is now handicap accessible. Artifacts on display from Deadwoods infamous past reflect the powerful legends of Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and Deadwood Dick. The Adams Museum is open year-round and features changing exhibits and special programs. Contact: Kate Bentham, (605) 578-1928. Adamsmuseumandhouse.org, [email protected]

GHOST TOWNS

Remnants of more than 30 ghost towns still exist in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. Mainly inhabited during the mining-era, buildings and forts remain intact. Some town are easily accessible, others require some off-road travel. Contact: Lee Harstad, (605) 773-3301. TravelSD.com, [email protected]

CARTHAGE STRAW BALE BUILT MUSEUM

The Campbell Original Straw Bale Built Museum is a renovated, simple museum dedicated to preserving South Dakota History. It is located in the small town of Carthage, South Dakota, some 30 miles north of Interstate 90, deep in the heart of rural South Dakota. Contact: Campbell Straw Bale Built Museum, (605) 772-4716. Strawbalemus.com

OAHE SPEEDWAY OFF TO THE RACES

Oahe Speedway is a quarter mile drag strip located only 14 miles north of Pierre on S.D. Highway 1804. Nestled between the rolling plains of central South Dakota and the Missouri River, Oahe Speedway opened July 2, 2005. The track is one of 21 sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association in the West Central Division. The division is composed of nine states from Wisconsin in the east to Missouri and Kansas to the south and Colorado and Montana in the west. Contact: Oahe Speedway, (605) 223-9885. Oahespeedway.com, [email protected]

VISITOR CENTER RENOVATED

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center at Badlands National Park has been renovated and expanded. The center was closed during the 2005 summer as a 100 seat indoor theater was added, the bookstore was improved, the visitor desk enlarged, the park library was renovated and the entire center was made accessible to all visitors. New exhibits were also installed and a new park film will be unveiled in 2006. Contact: Badlands National Park, (605) 433-5361. nps.gov/badl

ACTIVITIES COMPLEX OPENS

The new Clark Swisher Activities complex recently opened in Aberdeen. The $3.5 million football/track/soccer complex is a joint-use facility for Northern State University and Aberdeen Central High School. The facility is open for use by other schools in the region. The complex includes an all-weather turf football and soccer field, a modern state-of-the art track and field complex and field house designed to hold two hundred athletes. Contact: Gene Brownell, (605) 725-8188

CITY TOUR OF RAPID CITY

Rapid City has created the City Tour and Historic Districts. Many of the attractions on the tour are free and offer the opportunity to see what makes Rapid City unique. Signs featuring directions to attractions on the tour are located along the route to efficiently guide visitors. Some draws along the tour include Storybook Island, Canyon Lake Park, Dinosaur Park, Dahl Arts Center, Museum of Geology, The City of Presidents and much more. Contact: Michelle Thomson, (605) 343-1744. RapidCityCVB.com, [email protected]

K BAR S LODGE EXPANDS

The K Bar S Lodge located just outside of Keystone is constructing new mountain lodge sleeping rooms. K Bar S has been providing Dinner in a Private Home for 15 years to tour groups. It is set on 31 acres in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve in the Black Hills. The new sleeping rooms are set in the woods near the original home with many boasting views of Mt. Rushmore. Sixty four rooms in three buildings are scheduled to open April 2006. Contact: Wes Shelton, (605) 343-2226

MINI GOLF IN BLACK LIGHT

Putz n Glo Miniature Golf Course recently opened south of Rapid City. Golfers put their putting skills to the test with the effects of black light in a fun-filled Rock and Roll themed course. Listen to your favorite rock tunes from the last five decades while you play a unique and challenging 18 holes of miniature golf. Contact: Michelle Thomson, (605) 343-1744. RapidCityCVB.com, [email protected]

DAKOTA DISCOVERY MUSEUM ADDS NEW DISPLAYS

The Charles Hargens Studio exhibit is a new exhibit visitors can enjoy at the Dakota Discovery Museum in Mitchell. Hargens was a South Dakota-born artist who created illustrations for more than 300 books and 3,000 magazines and willed more than 40 original works to the museum. Discovery Land, a childrens activity center is another addition to the museum, designed with five to twelve year olds in mind. Contact: Pam VanDover, (605) 996-6223. Cornpalace.com, [email protected]

DEADWOOD FAÇADE FINDS NEW HOME

The old town Deadwood façade has found a new home. The façade has been moved to the property of the First Gold Hotel. The façade was built in 2004 by the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce to give the city a tangible link to the HBO hit series Deadwood. The new location is at the east end of Deadwood offering an Old West visual impression as visitors come into town.
Contact: Philys Reller, (605) 578-1876. Deadwood.org, [email protected]

TRIBE WORKING TO MAKE FORMER BOMBING RANGE A TOURIST SITE

Oglala Sioux Tribe leaders hope to build campgrounds, a museum and places where visitors can learn about Lakota history and culture on the Pine Ridge reservation. The 534-square-mile area was a military bombing range from 1942 to 1963. Federal funding started in 1995 to clean the site. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said roughly $20 million has been spent and about $5 million is earmarked for this year and next to clean the area.

NEW SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED AT BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK

A new face will lead Badlands National Park. Dr. Paige Baker, former superintendent of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, Arizona, is the new superintendent of the park. Baker will oversee the parks 244,000 acres and 75 employees. Contact: Badlands National Park, (605) 433-5361. nps.gov/badl

Courtesy of Leisure Group Travel