Cultural Heritage Tourism

Cultural heritage tourism is important to the overall tourism and economic development of South Dakota. What do heritage tourism and historic preservation have to do with one another? Mandela Research found in a recent study that the majority of travelers (118.3 million adults a year) "seek travel experiences where the destination, its buildings and surroundings have retained their historic character."

The Central South Dakota Heritage Tourism Education Program was created to enhance and promote cultural heritage tourism in the Pierre and Fort Pierre area. It is our hope that it will serve as a model for other communities interested in expanding or starting their own heritage tourism projects.

We hope the projects completed for the grant not only draw visitors interested in the incredible history and culture Pierre and Fort Pierre have to offer, but also to encourage local residents to take up a renewed interest in the area they call home.

For tips and resources for your own heritage programs, please see the following tip sheets:

Benefits of Cultural Heritage Tourism

Recommendations for Developing a National Park Service Travel Itinerary

Recommendations for Developing Interpretive Signs

Preservation Planning

Partnership

Preserve America

Central South Dakota Interpretive Sign Scavenger Hunt Info