The Midwest Marketing office has been abuzz with talk of tourism as we prepare our clients for another successful tourism season. Keeping with the theme, we went around the office and asked everyone their favorite Black Hills destination – continue reading to find out everyone’s choices!
Dawn
My favorite Black Hills destination is Angostura Reservoir. We have enjoyed fishing, boating, surfing and many other awesome water activities there for the past 20+ years. Our children grew up on the lake learning to kneeboard, wakeboard, ski and surf, and we’ve also met many great people from across the tri-state area. Our Angostura life is now full circle with our grandchildren learning to love the water, boating, fishing, campfires and meeting other children in the park as well.
Megan
I especially love Deadwood for its unique charm and variety of attractions. Throughout the year, Deadwood hosts exciting events that keep things lively, drawing both locals and visitors alike.
One of the highlights for me is the easy access to outdoor activities, including the Mickelson Trail. The surrounding hills offer scenic hiking spots, and Deadwood’s rich past is woven into the town.
And, of course, there’s blackjack — 🙂 . The casinos, like much of Deadwood, have their own unique branding and style, making the experience feel distinct no matter where you go. Driving along I-90, you’ll see eye-catching billboards competing for attention, but one brand that consistently stands out to me is Tin Lizzie. Their aesthetic and marketing approach feel especially polished and engaging, setting them apart in a town already filled with strong visual identities.
Christi
Traveling all over, I always ask the locals the best places to eat and where the must-see places are hidden! But when you fly into Rapid City you are met with screens and wall art on repeat, advertising local eateries and fun destinations. I am not much of a gambler so that really doesn’t speak to me, but let’s talk about RUSH Hockey! They make you want to go to a game when you’re in town (of course after you’ve eaten at one of the local Firehouse restaurants). Who knew this beach girl would love a good hockey game but i do! Great job RUSH!
Jen
One of my all-time favorite places to visit is the Museum of Geology located on the South Dakota Mines campus. I remember going with my class when I was in elementary school, as well as with family throughout the years growing up, and it’s still a place I like to go and tour about once a year. The museum does a great job of holding events for the public that allows us to dig in and do some hands on learning about the geology of the Black Hills, while making it fun and interesting for those of all ages. Plus, when you pay the one-time admission fee, you can take a selfie at a station in the museum and get a year-long pass. This is a great way to show the locals some love while creating loyal supporters that are happy to spread the word about how great the Museum of Geology is!
Tabitha
Having a home that’s full of houseplants is a long-term goal of mine, so discovering local plant shops is a small hobby of mine. While walking around Downtown Rapid City, I found UPROOTED. Aside from their selection of plants and accessories, what really caught my eye was their branding. I was also pleasantly surprised by their beautiful social media feed featuring photos of their stock and funny yet relatable videos. One post, which poked fun at how men pose with fish for photos, even went viral with over 3.8 million views, 95,000 likes, and 654 comments! UPROOTED also participates in giveaways with other local businesses and is often a vendor at area events. Needless to say, this plant shop’s involvement both online and off have given it a foothold in our community.
Jenny
A personal favorite destination of mine, especially as a mom to two boys, is Sprockets in Keystone! I love their branding, which is inspired by its rich mining history, yet still maintains an entertaining, yet clean and modern look that appeals to patrons of all ages. From their website to their physical location, they have consistently utilized key brand elements to strengthen their branding further, such as the gears and of course their iconic robot, giving patrons an unforgettable, next level arcade experience.
Allie
I love grabbing coffee from local spots, and Black Hills Blend is definitely a favorite! They have a great variety and delicious coffee. One thing they do really well is SMS marketing—you earn stars with each visit, and they send friendly reminders when you have rewards to use (which always convinces me to stop by!). Plus, I’m a sucker for a cute custom cup, and their packaging is always on point!
What is Your Favorite Black Hills Destination?
