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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2006
CONTACT: John Forney, (605) 773-3301 or john.forney@state.sd.us
ABC'S Good Morning America Names Mt. Rushmore Most Beautiful Spot in America
PIERRE, S.D.-Mt. Rushmore has been named the most beautiful vacation spot in America, according to ABC's Good Morning America and AAA New York's Car and Travel magazine. The morning news show announced their top ten vacation spots during a live broadcast from Mt. Rushmore July 13.
Mt. Rushmore, often called the "Shrine to Democracy," garners nearly 3 million visitors each year. The vision of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the granite sculpture took nearly 14 years to complete.
While much of the show focused on legendary Mt. Rushmore, one of the show's segments also featured a legend in the making: Crazy Horse.
Other American places named the most beautiful included Niagra Falls, the Gateway Arch, the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge.
"It's terrific to see national attention focused on a place we have always known is the most beautiful in America," said Billie Jo Waara, director of the South Dakota office of tourism. "The Black Hills and South Dakota should be on everyone's must-see list."
The South Dakota Department of Tourism, the Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association and the staff of Mt. Rushmore worked with Good Morning America to deliver the show to approximately 5 million viewers.
"Working with our travel partners to host the crew of the show was an incredible experience for South Dakota," Waara said. "The show highlighted the beauty of our state and will entice people to add South Dakota to their travel plans."
To view the Good Morning America segment, go to abcnews.com.
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