South Dakota Focus on Tourism (Season 30)

The first leg of a new hiking and biking trail along Highway 14 will materialize just east of De Smet this summer from the edge of town to the Big Slough immortalized in the "Little House on the Prairie" series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Organizers hope it eventually grows into a statewide byway.

While the short-term rental industry represents a business opportunity for local property owners, others worry vacation rentals contribute to the region’s housing shortage.

"I believe that it is an act of sovereignty for a tribe to take control of their cultural history by telling their own story. And what better way to do that than tourism with people from your local community to even internationally?"

Hundreds of thousands of tourists every year frequent sites tied to South Dakota's pioneer and Wild West history, and cemeteries are among the historic sites that bring the past to life for those visitors.

South Dakota Secretary Jim Hagen calls families with kids in the home the industry’s “bread and butter.” That opens the door for destinations with educational programs to attract a key audience.

Tourism is South Dakota's second largest industry. The largest tourist event is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors in early August. This episode examines the wide-ranging impact of the annual rally.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is looking to attract younger bikers to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

South Dakota Focus host Jackie Hendry talks about her trip to the 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

SD Focus host Jackie Hendry joins "In the Moment" to preview the new season of South Dakota Focus. The 2024 season will feature tourism across the state.

SD Focus host Jackie Hendry and producer Krystal Schoenbauer will host a discussion on tourism Wednesday, May 15th at Lost Cabin Beer Co. - Hill City Beer Garden