The South Dakota Department of Tourism has recognized 48 businesses across the state with the 2022 South Dakota Great Place designation. These tourism-focused businesses earned the designation for their outstanding hospitality and customer service.
The South Dakota Great Place program is designed to put a spotlight on businesses that exemplify great service by going above and beyond for guests and employees. The goal of the program is to strengthen the tourism industry in South Dakota and offer support to tourism industry members.
“Welcoming hospitality and exceptional customer service are the foundation for supporting a strong tourism industry here in South Dakota,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “The South Dakota Great Place program recognizes those businesses that have gone the extra mile to ensure their employees have received the proper training and possess the skills needed to meet the needs of visitors.”
Online application forms for the 2023 South Dakota Great Place will open in February 2023. All are encouraged to participate. For more information about the Great Place program, click here.
The department also offers an Online Hospitality Training program. The training is free, and all tourism industry businesses are encouraged to share the training with their staff. For more information about the department’s hospitality programs, please visit https://sdvisit.com/training-hospitality.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.
2022 South Dakota Great Place Designees listed by community:
Mobridge
Indian Creek Recreation Area/Revheim Bay Recreation Area/West Pollock Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Chamberlain/Oacoma
Akta Lakota Museum (Chamberlain)
Fort Pierre
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Aberdeen
Wylie Park/Storybook Land
Arlington
Lake Poinsett Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Belle Fourche
AmericInn by Wyndham
Brandon
Big Sioux Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Brookings
Brookings Arts Council
Children’s Museum of South Dakota
The Lanes
McCrory Gardens at SDSU
South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum
South Dakota Art Museum
Visit Brookings
Bruce
Oakwood Lakes State Park (SD GFP)
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse Memorial
Custer
Fort Welikit Family Campground
Shady Rest Motel
Garretson
Palisades State Park (SD GFP)
Grenville
Pickerel Lake Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Hill City
1880 Train / Black Hills Central Railroad
Mt. Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch
Museum at the Black Hills Institute
Hot Springs
The Mammoth Site
Keystone
Rush Mountain Adventure Park
Sprockets Fun Foundry
Lake City
Fort Sisseton Historic State Park (SD GFP)
Roy Lake State Park (SD GFP)
Lake Preston
Lake Thompson Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Madison
Lake Herman State Park (SD GFP)
Walker’s Point Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Mitchell
AmericInn Lodge & Suites
Platte
Snake Creek Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Rapid City
Black Hills Caverns
Black Hills Visitor Information Center
My XO Adventures
Reptile Gardens
Visit Rapid City
Sioux Falls
ClubHouse Hotel & Suites
Experience Sioux Falls
Levitt at the Falls
McCrossan Boys Ranch
Springfield
Springfield Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Watertown
Dempsey’s Brewery
Venerts Hotel Management, Inc.
Yankton
Chief White Crane Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area (SD GFP)
Pierson Ranch Recreation Area (SD GFP)
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