Search | South Dakota Tourism Industry

Maintaining and Expanding South Dakota's Brand Presence

With world-renowned monuments, breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, rich Native American culture, and Western heritage, South Dakota is a state with a unique brand story to tell. As representatives of the great faces and great places of South Dakota, it's our responsibility to make sure our year-round and seasonal campaigns & programs target the right regional, national and international audiences. To succeed, we use the most effective channels to place award-winning creative that stands out, all while staying ahead of the evolution in how people plan their vacations.

We’re proud of the increased awareness we’ve made through our efforts in target markets, and we’re always looking for ways to involve more of our partners throughout the state. We want to share what we’ve learned to make the industry better. Travel South Dakota's cooperative marketing programs will help you find more ways than ever to actively participate in our targeted marketing campaigns. By pooling resources, we can reach a broader audience and make your advertising dollars go further.

South Dakota Tourism Industry

July Mile Marker

Cruisin' through summer

SDVisit.com is the official Travel South Dakota website where you'll find the latest tourism industry reports, initiatives, marketing tools, training opportunities and more.

Latest Updates

"Your website, travel guide, and email newsletters all have a wealth of information. We listened to every episode of The Travel South Dakota Stories podcast and got some great ideas for places to visit. The South Dakota passports led us to spots that we likely would have missed otherwise. And I can't say enough about how helpful and friendly the staff were at the two visitors centers (Vermillion and Black Hills) where we stopped for information. ... My daughter and I had a memorable first trip to South Dakota because of it, and we felt like we were just scratching the surface."

Visitor Comment - Jeremy from North Carolina

"My husband and I had a GREAT time in SD last month. Great places indeed: gorgeous scenery, lots of wildlife, wonderful hikes, and great food (including our first taste of chislic in Spearfish Canyon). ... I hope to get back to the Black Hills again as I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do because of rainstorms. Your promotional materials were very helpful, and we picked up additional materials at rest stops on I-90."

Visitor Comment - Maria from Pennsylvania

"Hello! We did receive our vacation guide and we had a wonderful time in Sioux Falls, Oacoma, and the Black Hills. We spent 5 days in the Black Hills and could have stayed longer had we the time! My best meal of the 18-day vacation was a bison steak dinner in Hill City! The scenic bi-way drive through the Hills was spectacular; esp. the Needles highway! And the Bad Lands were something from another planet!! Thank you for your help, information & friendly welcome to us."

Visitor Comment - Michael from Ohio

58,824 jobs were supported by tourism activity.

Economic Impact of Tourism in South Dakota, 2024 - Tourism Economics

“We just returned from a trip to the Black Hills. We were overwhelmed with the beauty of this area and the friendliness of your residents. The landscape...both natural and man-made...was breathtaking. The wildlife was something we had never before seen close-up. Thank you so much for offering all that you do. You should be very proud.”

Visitor Comment - Greg from Virginia

After being exposed to Tourism’s messaging, the number who believed South Dakota was a good place to live, attend college, start a business or even retire, all saw increases.

Economic Impact of Tourism in South Dakota, 2017 - Longwoods International

"We returned home a week ago from South Dakota. Wow! It was a wonderful place to spend the week. I can see why your state has become one of the hottest destinations I hear about, from different age groups. I’m telling everyone I know....'you gotta go'!”

Tour Operator Comment - Cindy from Illinois

"My wife and I spent 3 very relaxing and enjoyable weeks traveling your fine state in 2018. we had so much fun that we plan on coming back in 2019 and trying to see more of your wonderful sights and attractions."

Visitor Comment - Brian from New York

“We have just returned from visiting your wonderful state and it was pure magic! The sites are unbelievable and even better, your residents are the best. So kind, nice and very helpful. I wish I could live there. Your vacation guide was very helpful along, with your workers at the Visitor Stations. Once again, thanks for a fabulous and spectacular vacation.”

Visitor Comment - Paul from Baltimore

August 8, 2025

TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA PARTNERS WITH JEEP® AND MATADOR NETWORK TO PRODUCE DIGITAL ROAD TRIP SERIES

Details

South Dakota Rooster Rush - 2025

South Dakota Rooster Rush 2025

Pheasant hunting is a major draw for South Dakota each fall. It is a tradition for many families and friends in communities across the state and country. Travel South Dakota is once again joining with South Dakota communities to celebrate this tradition with the Rooster Rush campaign.

This program offers a great opportunity to welcome hunters, conservationists, families and friends into your communities this fall. Don't miss this chance to get your community involved.

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Travel South Dakota promotes this campaign statewide in an effort to involve as many communities as possible. We're prepared to help communities across South Dakota get started with their own Rooster Rush promotion.

We offer funding assistance. There is limited availability. Requests will be reviewed and approved by Travel South Dakota.

DEADLINE: Thursday, August 28, 2025

A limited supply of pre-designed and printed posters may be requested through Travel South Dakota. See more information about these promotional materials.
Travel South Dakota will recognize a community with the Rooster Rush Cacklin` Community Award during the 2026 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

AWARD DEADLINE: Thursday, November 13, 2025

BENEFITS

As an industry member who benefits from and supports outdoor enthusiasts, you will show hunters that South Dakota has outstanding pheasant hunting and works collaboratively to welcome hunters from every corner of the country and the world.
Promoting Rooster Rush in your community and, if possible, hosting special Rooster Rush events will make out-of-state hunters feel welcome, and could keep them coming back year after year.

TOOLKIT

We put together a Rooster Rush Toolkit that will help you develop your own Rooster Rush promotion. The kit includes logo files, logo usage guidelines, ideas for events and promotions in your community, economic impact information, media relations strategies and social media outlets.

FOR INFORMATION

For more information, contact Thad Friedeman, Senior Marketing Services Coordinator, at 605-773-5329 or [email protected].

Rooster Rush Cacklin' Community Award

Details

South Dakota Great Face Program

Marketing Overview