FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wed., June 3, 2026

CONTACT: Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director, Travel South Dakota, (605) 773-3301

Celebrate Forever 605 Day on June 5

PIERRE, S.D. – There's only one 605. That's why June 5 (6/05) is Forever 605 Day, the ultimate time for South Dakota to celebrate its only area code with a commitment to keep South Dakota remarkable for everyone who visits or calls it home.

Travel South Dakota's Forever 605 campaign continues to inspire residents and travelers alike to treat The Mount Rushmore State with the care and respect it deserves. On Forever 605 Day, Travel South Dakota invites everyone to appreciate what makes South Dakota so remarkable. The campaign centers on four core pillars, each with meaningful ways to take action:

• Support local businesses
• Explore beyond our well-known landmarks
• Honor culture, immersing in our Indigenous, Old West and Pioneer roots
• Preserve nature and our beautiful outdoors

“Forever 605 Day is a chance for all of us to celebrate to what makes South Dakota special,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “We encourage people to venture off the beaten path and explore all corners of the state, leave our parks, trails and great outdoors better than they found them, honor the rich cultures that define this state, and invest in the local businesses that make our communities thrive. Forever 605 isn’t just a campaign — it’s a promise to future generations.”

Take the pledge at Forever605.com to show your commitment —and even earn a sticker while you’re at it. Travel South Dakota’s passport program is offering double points for each check-in on June 5, a great opportunity to explore and earn extra awards. Share your South Dakota story on social media with #Forever605 and inspire others to experience and protect the 605.

Travel South Dakota’s Forever 605 campaign spans a wide range of channels, including video advertising, paid and organic social media, print, out-of-home placements, social media influencer partnerships, web content, and sharing user-generated content.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

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