2/1/2022

PIERRE, S.D. – In celebration of Presidents’ Day, and in an effort to continually market South Dakota as a premier tourism destination to Texans, the South Dakota Department of Tourism will showcase The Mount Rushmore State’s offerings through a pop-up experience at the Galleria Dallas in Dallas, Texas. Featuring hundreds of shops, dining and entertainment, the Galleria is a lively and exciting venue for South Dakota’s Presidents’ Day celebration.

Ahead of the holiday weekend activation, a massive replica of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and a buffalo-themed Zamboni will both be on display at the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center. From February 18-22, Texans can also head to the skating rink to learn from an on-site tourism representative about traveling to South Dakota, take pictures at the South Dakota mural with one of the roaming Mount Rushmore mascots – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln – or maybe even join the mascots on the ice! Adding to the excitement, all attendees will have opportunities to win South Dakota prizes throughout the weekend via on-site giveaways.

“This experience will allow thousands of people in the Dallas area to learn more about South Dakota’s cultural and tourism offerings in a fun and interactive capacity,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “The Texas market is valuable for South Dakota's tourism industry, and we're excited to inspire even more tourists from the Dallas region to make South Dakota their next vacation destination.”

Arrivals from Dallas to South Dakota in recent years have outnumbered visits from neighboring drive markets such as Billings, Montana; Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin; Duluth, Minnesota; and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dallas has grown more than 20% since 2010 and is the fourth-largest metro area in the nation. As the top tourist destination in the city, Galleria Dallas welcomes more than six million tourists each year.

“We are excited to share the importance of South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore with our families and guests,” explained Galleria Dallas Director of Marketing, Megan Townsend. “We’ve always been committed to being a place where North Texans come to live, learn and experience and this exhibit fits in with that commitment.”

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James Hagen.

For more information about South Dakota, visit www.TravelSouthDakota.com. 

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Media Notes:
For photo assets of the replica on the ice at the Dallas Galleria, please use this link to find downloadable photos.

About South Dakota
The Mount Rushmore State offers a diverse range of scenic byways, dramatic landscapes, iconic monuments, quirky roadside attractions and a rich history and heritage perfect for all travelers. South Dakota is home to famed sites like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Old West town of Historic Deadwood, along with rolling prairies and majestic mountains. The state boasts six national parks, including Badlands National Park, and 63 state parks & recreation areas, offering endless opportunities for exploration, camping, spotting wildlife, hiking and biking. For more information, visit www.TravelSouthDakota.com.

About Galleria Dallas
Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, a market-exclusive American Girl, the Westin Galleria Dallas Hotel and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 6 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit http://www.galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc. Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240. For Social Media: @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas

CONTACT

Katlyn Svendsen, Global Media & Public Relations Director
South Dakota Department of Tourism
Email: [email protected]