6/26/2026
PIERRE, S.D. – As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Travel South Dakota is inviting travelers to discover the patriotic spirit, history, and wide-open beauty of The Mount Rushmore State through the South Dakota Stars & Stripes Passport – Celebrating 250 Years of America.
The passport highlights destinations across South Dakota that celebrate American heritage, military history, freedom, and state pride while also encouraging visitors and residents alike to explore the state’s communities.
"There's no better place to celebrate America's 250th birthday than right here in South Dakota," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "The Stars and Stripes Passport is a great way to honor our nation's 250th while highlighting the patriotism, historic landmarks, freedom, and beauty that make our state a true American treasure."
Since its launch on July 1, 2025, the passport has recorded more than 7,500 check-ins at patriotic and heritage destinations across the state. Top stops include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial®, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Visitor Center, Wall Drug Store (Wall), Dignity: Earth & Sky (Chamberlain), the City of Presidents Sculptures (Rapid City), the National Presidential Wax Museum (Keystone), Historic Deadwood, the World's Only Corn Palace (Mitchell), and the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial (Sioux Falls).
The Stars & Stripes Passport is a part of the broader Travel South Dakota Passports Program, which uses a mobile platform and rewards system to encourage exploration of destinations across the state and offers a deeper connection to South Dakota's landscapes and history. More than 43,000 passes have been downloaded since the program launch in 2022, with participants logging 113,700 check-ins. The passport is delivered instantly via text and email, and users check in via GPS-based technology when within close proximity of a participating location.
The program has drawn engagement from all 50 states, along with international visitors from Canada and Germany. 40% of check-ins came from South Dakota residents, with strong out-of-state participation from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Michigan.
Each check-in earns points redeemable for prizes ranging from South Dakota souvenirs and apparel to premium outdoor gear, turning everyday travel into a purposeful adventure that rewards curiosity and strengthens connections between people and places.
Travelers can sign up for the Stars & Stripes Passport and plan their route at TravelSouthDakota.com/Passports.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.
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CONTACT
Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director
Travel South Dakota
Email: [email protected]