Black Hills Tourism Index: +1.89% | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota

Black Hills Tourism Index: +1.89%

  • Black Hills Tourism Index: +1.89%
Phone: 
(605) 355-3600

After tallying key tourism metrics through the month of April, we’re able to place the Black Hills Tourism Index at a positive 1.89%—a slight increase over the same time frame in 2016.

This bump can be attributed to a few factors including increased visitation at several of our area National Parks. Year to date through April, Mount Rushmore National Memorial has welcomed 7,046 more visitors compared to the same months last year—an increase of 3.86%.  At a similar rate, Wind Cave National Park is averaging a 3.75% rise in visitors, while Jewel Cave National Monument has witnessed a huge spike in traffic—up 66.82% with 3,734 more visitors through the end of April. Year to date, Badlands National Park is also tracking ahead of 2016 with 66,193 total travelers so far. Just across the state line, Devils Tower National Monument is currently trailing 2016’s numbers by a margin of -3.92%—the equivalent of 1,041 fewer visitors.

Another notable factor contributing to the current position of the Black Hills Tourism Index is an increase in the Black Hills Hotel Occupancy Rate—up 3.48% so far this year. Figures for both the Taxable Sales in our surrounding counties as well as the Deadwood Gaming Handle have been slightly down compared to the same months last year—down 3.45% and 6.13% respectively.

With all of these indications considered, we are very optimistic for the peak season that lies ahead. For more information on the Black Hills Tourism Index, please contact BH&B’s VP of Marketing, Susan Giesel, at susan@blackhillsbadlands.com or (605) 355-3600.