<p><strong>Applications to receive the Great Place designation for 2026 will be accepted April 1-September 30</strong>. (No applications will be accepted October 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.)</p><p>If a business would like to be considered for the <a href="https://sdvisit.com/tourism-awards/george-s-mickelson-award">George S. Mickelson Award</a> given at the <a href="https://southdakotatourismconference.com&quot; rel="" target="_blank">South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism</a>, it must have <strong>first</strong>&nbsp;applied for and received the <strong>South Dakota Great Place</strong> designation.</p><p>(The Great Place program replaces&nbsp;the Great Service Star&nbsp;program.)</p>