Is South Dakota Tourism Up?

By Alice Nichols

South Dakota is a state known for its natural beauty and historical landmarks. From the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore to the stunning Badlands National Park, South Dakota has a lot to offer tourists from all over the world.

But, is tourism in South Dakota on the rise? Let’s take a closer look.

The Numbers

According to data from the South Dakota Department of Tourism, 2019 was a record-breaking year for tourism in the state. The number of visitors increased by 1.4% from the previous year, with over 14 million people traveling to South Dakota.

Visitation by Region

The majority of tourists to South Dakota come from neighboring states such as Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa. However, there has been an increase in visitors from further away states like Texas and California.

  • Midwest: 61%
  • West: 16%
  • South: 14%
  • Northeast: 9%

Reasons for Visiting

The top reasons cited for visiting South Dakota are its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors also come to see historical landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and learn about Native American culture.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism worldwide, and South Dakota is no exception. In April of 2020, visitation was down by more than half compared to the previous year due to travel restrictions and fear of contracting the virus.

However, as restrictions lifted and safety measures were put in place, visitation began to slowly increase again. In fact, some attractions like Mount Rushmore saw an increase in visitors compared to previous years due to domestic travel being preferred over international travel during the pandemic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tourism in South Dakota has been on the rise in recent years, with 2019 being a record-breaking year for visitation. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Dakota continues to attract tourists with its natural beauty and historical landmarks. With proper safety measures in place, it’s likely that tourism will continue to grow in the coming years.