For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 9, 2004

Contact: Nicole Nordbye, (605) 773-3301 or nicole.nordbye@state.sd.us

Free Guide Explores Travel in South Dakota

(Pierre) – South Dakotans can find family fun in their own backyard by using the 2004-2005 South Dakota Vacation Guide. The new travel planner is now available and is chock-full of close-to-home vacation ideas. 

“This year’s Vacation Guide is the largest ever produced in the guide’s 42-year history,” said Patricia Van Gerpen, director of the Office of Tourism. “The guide captures the spirit and essence of South Dakota and is an indispensable resource for travelers making plans for everything from day trips to extended travel.” 

 The free 263-page guide serves as a one-stop travel planning tool. It includes information on South Dakota’s family attractions, national and state parks, outdoor adventure, South Dakota’s Lewis and Clark Trail, and Old West history. The guide contains a comprehensive visitor services directory describing attractions/activities, accommodations, restaurants and services available by city. A state map and 2004 calendar of events also are included in the guide.

Call 1-800-S-DAKOTA (1-800-732-5682) to order the free South Dakota Vacation Guide or visit www.TravelSD.com.

The guide is published by the South Dakota Office of Tourism and the state’s four independent regional tourism associations: the Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association; Great Lakes of South Dakota Tourism Association; Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association; and Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association.

-30-