AGP Executive Report

Shoulder-Season Travel: Rapid City businesses are shifting from peak summer crowds to fall visitors—retirees, bucket-listers, and couples—chasing milder weather and quieter Black Hills sightseeing. National Parks Funding: The National Park Foundation is urging Congress to reauthorize a legacy restoration fund that has poured more than $130M into South Dakota park projects, including Badlands HQ and major Wounded Knee District School renovations. Gas Prices Watch: AAA says the national regular gas average is about $4.09 and August is on track to set a new record; crude volatility tied to the Strait of Hormuz is keeping pressure on prices. Road Safety: A fatal four-vehicle crash on I-29 near Brookings killed a 19-year-old and sent a Toronto woman to a Sioux Falls hospital with life-threatening injuries. Local Fun for Visitors: Riverfest is back in Downtown Sioux Falls Sept. 19 with music, food trucks, a Kids Zone, mini golf, and a new dog fashion show. Active Outdoors: Wind Cave National Park hosts a free Theodore Roosevelt living-history program Thursday at Elk Mountain Campground Amphitheater. Sports & Travel Timing: Dakota Wesleyan opens its season Saturday with a road trip to Madison; plan for game-day traffic if you’re heading that way.

Road Safety: A 19-year-old Brookings man was killed in a four-vehicle I-29 crash near mile marker 140; a Toronto woman was life-flighted with life-threatening injuries, while other drivers were not hurt as investigators continue looking into what happened. Local Travel Disruptions: Pierre drivers should expect about 10 hours of signal shutdown Sunday at Sioux Avenue and Pierre Street (U.S. 14/SD 1889), with low-speed routing through the work zone. Tourism & Outdoors: Under Canvas is offering 50% off the second night (and sometimes the fourth) on glamping stays booked by Aug. 30, including Black Hills options near Mount Rushmore. Family Fun: Downtown Sioux Falls’ Riverfest returns Sept. 19 with live music, food trucks, a Kids Zone, mini golf, and a new “Paws on the Plaza” dog fashion show. Sports & Travel Planning: South Dakota college football kicks off Aug. 29 with multiple in-state matchups, including SDSU hosting Stetson and USD welcoming Central Connecticut State. Community Events: Wind Cave National Park hosts a free Theodore Roosevelt living-history program in Rapid City-area on Thursday evening. Recreation & Hunting Access: NWTF and Pheasants Forever expanded public hunting access across the Dakotas via PATH, adding thousands of acres for 2026 seasons.

Wind Cave Living History: Theodore Roosevelt returns to Wind Cave National Park Thursday evening with a free 7 p.m. living-history performance by Kurt Skinner at the Elk Mountain Campground Amphitheater. Outdoor Access: NWTF and Pheasants Forever are expanding public hunting access across the Dakotas, adding 10,515 acres of new PATH land this year. Deadwood Tourism & Gaming: Deadwood gaming rose 4.05% in July, with taxable gross gaming revenue at $15.8 million and about $1.42 million in gaming taxes. College Football Kickoff: South Dakota’s college football season officially starts Aug. 27, with major home openers including SDSU vs. Stetson (6 p.m.) and USD hosting Black Hills State. Road & Travel Planning: A northbound portion of I-29 near mile marker 139 is shut down after a crash near mile marker 139—expect congestion and slow down. Local Rules for Visitors: Pennington County is cracking down on unlicensed vacation rentals, with notices due by Dec. 3 and potential $200 daily fines.

Outdoor & Park Programs: A Theodore Roosevelt impersonator will perform at Wind Cave National Park on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m., a free program tied to the park’s education and preservation efforts. Tourism & Events: Deadwood gaming activity rose 4.05% in July, with slot and table gains and sports wagering down, while casinos also pushed more than $2.3 million in free-play incentives. Travel Safety: Sioux Falls is urging drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to slow down and stay alert as students return, with reminders to watch for crosswalks and yield to pedestrians. Roadwork & Planning: SDDOT is seeking public comment on a draft Section 4(f) evaluation for a U.S. Highway 385 curve reconstruction near the Strawberry Hill picnic area and fishing pond in Lawrence County. Local Rules for Visitors: Pennington County is reminding vacation rental owners to get licensed, with notices tied to a December 3 deadline and potential daily fines for noncompliance. Veterans & Health Access: A VA deputy secretary visited western South Dakota, saying facilities won’t be closing and highlighting a new Electronic Health Record rollout planned for May 2027 in the Black Hills region.

Tourism Development: Travel South Dakota picked Fort Pierre and the Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail for its Destination Development Program, aiming to grow rural visitor experiences with planning help and grant opportunities. Outdoor Challenge: The state also launched “Cycle the 605,” a Strava-based 605-minute activity push running through Sept. 4, with a chance to win a South Dakota cycling getaway. Roads & Walkways: Rapid City has started a citywide streets and sidewalks condition survey, with crews collecting pavement and sidewalk data over the next few weeks. Local Construction: Mitchell is in full fall-transition mode, with major road work including a new roundabout on North Ohlman Street and other intersection and avenue improvements. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in Marshall County at $4.85 (week ending Aug. 15), while Hutchinson County’s lowest diesel hit $4.87. Community & Schools: Mitchell School District handed out $34,368.84 in KIDS Grants to classroom projects, and Langford Area and Britton-Hecla welcomed new certified teachers for the fall.

Tourism Growth: Travel South Dakota picked Fort Pierre and the Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail for its Destination Development Program, aiming to build rural visitor experiences with planning help and grant opportunities. Outdoor Adventure Campaign: The state also launched “Cycle the 605,” a Strava challenge running through Sept. 4 with a chance to win a South Dakota cycling getaway. Local Tax Debate: Clay County commissioners in Vermillion approved a second reading of a local option sales tax to offset property taxes on owner-occupied homes, despite public opposition. Rapid City Infrastructure: Rapid City kicked off a citywide streets and sidewalks condition survey, with crews collecting pavement and sidewalk data for future maintenance. Airport Expansion Push: Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports asked the state for extra funding as expansion costs rise. Short-Term Rental Deadline: Pennington County warned vacation rental owners to get licensed by Dec. 3 or face $200-per-day fines. Gas Watch: Diesel and premium gas prices were reported at their lowest points in several counties during the week ending Aug. 15, with statewide averages edging up. Family Fun: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Sioux Falls reopens its 7-acre corn maze for the fall season on Aug. 28.

Airport Expansion Push: Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports are asking the state for extra money to finish major terminal and screening upgrades, citing congestion and higher construction costs. Infrastructure Disruptions: Rapid City crews are repairing a Cleveland Street water main break affecting about 16 homes, and the city is starting a citywide streets and sidewalks condition survey. Road Work Ahead: SDDOT is set to begin bridge deck chip seal projects Aug. 31 on Highway 44 and nearby routes, with one-lane traffic and stop-sign/flagger controls. Short-Term Rental Deadline: Pennington County is warning vacation rental owners to get licensed by Dec. 3 or face $200-per-day fines. Family Travel Fun: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Sioux Falls opens its 7-acre corn maze for the fall season Aug. 28. Outdoor Challenge: Travel South Dakota launches “Cycle the 605,” a Strava activity challenge running through Sept. 4. Local Public Safety Growth: Rapid City breaks ground on a $9.1 million co-located Station 9 for fire and police on the east side. Sports Season Kickoff: College football week is here across South Dakota, with statewide preview coverage rolling all season.

Tourism & Outdoors: Travel South Dakota is rolling out “Cycle the 605,” a Strava challenge (605 minutes by Sept. 4) plus a sweepstakes for a cycling getaway—an easy excuse to explore South Dakota by bike, hike, run, walk, or swim. Sports Tourism: Rapid City hosted the Native American World Series (Aug. 21-23) with 85+ teams from 40+ tribes, drawing visitors for softball, culture, and local food trucks. Local Travel Infrastructure: Rapid City broke ground on “Station 9,” a $9.1 million co-located fire station, police substation, and city park on the east side—aimed at faster emergency response as tourism and growth continue. Short-Term Rental Rules: Pennington County is reminding hosts to get licensed before a Dec. 3 deadline or face $200 daily fines. Road Trips & Detours: US Hwy 385 construction pauses until next summer; drivers should expect slick “oiled blotter” conditions where work remains. Family Fun Events: Riverboat Days drew strong crowds with improved weather, plus a new D.C. Lynch Carnival addition. Health Access: Monument Health opened a regional Epilepsy Monitoring Unit in Rapid City, reducing the need for long-distance travel for specialized care.

Bridge Dedication: The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs dedicated the SD HWY 1806 bridge over Oak Creek south of Wakpala as the PFC Randolph S. Hutchinson bridge, honoring the Marine’s service and sacrifice. Road Work Watch: Sioux Falls crews start ADA curb ramp repairs and lane/sidewalk closures at 10th, 11th, and 13th streets near Mall Avenue and First Avenue, plus one-lane traffic on Marion Road near Berkshire Boulevard. Black Hills Traffic: Rapid City drivers face a West Main Street lane closure starting Aug. 24 and ongoing I-90 Exit 46 interchange work near Piedmont, with traffic reduced to one lane each direction. Tourism Spotlight: Deadwood’s Kool Deadwood Nites parade drew crowds to Main Street, with classic cars, live music, and a boost for local hotels and shops. Park Planning: A guide to camping in Badlands National Park highlights Cedar Pass Campground amenities and backcountry options for stargazing nights. Safety Reminder: Sioux Falls officials urge parents to think twice before posting back-to-school photos, since logos, signs, and captions can reveal a child’s location.

Badlands Camping Guide: Badlands National Park is getting a full camping how-to, from Cedar Pass Campground amenities to backcountry options for stargazing and wildlife-filled hikes. Deadwood Tourism Boost: Kool Deadwood Nites’ Main Street parade pulled in hundreds, with classic cars, candy tosses, and a big tourism payoff for hotels, shops, and restaurants. Local Sports (Vermillion): South Dakota’s Coyotes opened at home with a 3-0 shutout over Morningside, scoring three goals in just over four minutes. South Dakota Events: Woodbine Productions in Brookings announces major 2026-27 performances, starting Oct. 11 with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis. National Parks Deal: The National Park Service marks its 110th birthday with free admission to all NPS parks on Aug. 25, including Midwest options like Badlands. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices stay elevated, with multiple South Dakota county reports showing week-ending Aug. 15 lows around the high-$4 range and statewide averages near $5.02. Safety Reminder (Sioux Falls): Back-to-school photo privacy tips urge parents to avoid sharing school and location clues online.

College Football: North Dakota State is making the jump to the FBS, kicking off its new era at home against Jacksonville State before starting Mountain West play. South Dakota Weather & Travel: A year-round “warmest spot” and the state’s hottest single-day record highlight how fast conditions can swing across South Dakota—useful for planning summer road trips. Outdoor Water Quality: SDSU Extension says recurring algae blooms on Wall Lake and other prairie potholes are driven by rising night temperatures plus nitrogen and phosphorus, with some factors “beyond our control.” Community & Tourism: Keystone held Rushmore Heritage Days with a parade, family activities, and Legacy Awards tied to local history. Family Fun in Sioux Falls: Hungry Hearts hosted a back-to-school party with backpacks, supplies, shoes, socks, and activities for kids heading into the new school year. International Archery Tourism: World archery tournaments in Yankton in late September/early October are expected to bring foreign visitors and longer stays across the region.

Sturgis travel ties: Laconia Motorcycle Week leader and state Rep. Charlie St. Clair died from injuries after a motorcycle crash in Ohio while en route to his 50th Sturgis trip, with officials citing a tire malfunction. Deadwood tourism: Kool Deadwood Nites is back, bringing classic cars, live music, and a boost to hotels, campgrounds, and Main Street businesses. Community events: Keystone launched Rushmore Heritage Days with a parade, family activities, a community picnic, and new Legacy Awards honoring local “pillars.” Back-to-school help: Hungry Hearts held a Sioux Falls downtown party giving away backpacks, supplies, shoes, and socks, with a bigger push for middle schoolers. Yankton visitor draw: World Archery tournaments at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center in late September/early October are expected to bring international athletes and longer stays. Local travel logistics: Sioux Falls road work starts Aug. 24-25, including lane reductions and ADA/overlay repairs that will affect drivers.

Sioux Falls Roadwork: The city is starting new construction Aug. 24-25, including a lane reduction on N. Marion Road near 26th Street and ADA ramp repairs on 10th Street at Mall Avenue—drivers should expect shifting traffic and use alternate routes. Watertown Crash & DUI: A 20-year-old man was arrested after a Silverado rollover that hit three parked cars, sending him to Prairie Lakes Hospital and leading to charges including DUI and reckless driving. Yankton Recovery Center Opens: Park Haven Learning and Recovery Center in Yankton (18 beds) is set to open Aug. 24 for women— including pregnant mothers—supported by Avera Sacred Heart and Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health. Gun Case in Sioux Falls: Kyle Lee Tobacco was sentenced to 3 years and 1 month in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. Tourism Boost for Archery: World archery tournaments at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center (Sept. 22-Oct. 3) are expected to bring international visitors and longer stays across South Dakota. Deadwood Classic Returns: Kool Deadwood Nites is back, filling hotels and campgrounds with classic-car fans for parades, show-and-shine, and nightly concerts.

Tourism & Events: Deadwood’s Kool Deadwood Nites is back, filling Main Street with classic cars, live music, and packed hotels and campgrounds—another big draw for visitors from across the region. Music & Culture: The National Music Museum in Vermillion kicks off its 2026–27 NMM Live! season with Emmy-winning songwriter Jack Norton on Aug. 28, blending old-time blues, ragtime, folk, and vaudeville. International Travel Boost: Southeast South Dakota tourism leaders are pointing to world archery tournaments at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center (Sept. 22–Oct. 3) as a major uptick for foreign visitors, with many expected to fly into Sioux Falls, Sioux City, or Omaha. Local Travel Logistics: South Dakota’s Pierre driver exam station will open Saturday morning for CDL holders needing a K restriction update before the Aug. 28 deadline. Sustainable Farming: Dakota Biochar is turning Black Hills slash piles into biochar for South Dakota farms, with trials underway and plans to expand statewide.

Aberdeen Tragedy: Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman survived a paragliding crash near Aberdeen Wednesday, but his 8-year-old son died; the FAA and NTSB have been notified and the cause is under investigation. Local Courts: Jon Rogness of Brookings pleaded guilty in connection with the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, a case tied to allegations of concealing objects and accessory charges. Gas Watch: Midgrade prices hit a low of $3.89 in Kingsbury County (week ending Aug. 15), while diesel hit $4.42 in Minnehaha County; AAA says the national regular average rose to $4.10 as crude stays elevated. Trade & Tourism Angle: South Dakota is pushing to expand international export reach, with ag still driving more than $6B in 2025 exports and a push for more diversified markets. Family Fun Outdoors: Prairie Fest returns Saturday at Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls with a free grasslands “stay-cation,” hands-on learning, live music, and early bird nature activities. Road Trip Timing: Fourth Street in Pierre (Euclid to Governor’s Drive) is set to reopen by late Friday afternoon after rain delayed work.

Road & Travel Updates: Pierre’s Fourth Street (Euclid Avenue to Governor’s Drive) is set to reopen by late afternoon Friday after rain delayed construction; crews are also adding crossing guards and signage as school resumes. Sturgis Tourism Spotlight: The Full Throttle Saloon and Pappy Hoel Campground are being credited with delivering a “save up for it” kind of Sturgis experience—camaraderie, camping, and a destination feel that keeps riders coming back. Family Outdoor Fun: Prairie Fest returns Saturday at Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls with a free grasslands “stay-cation,” including live music, local food, hands-on learning, and early bird birding and Game, Fish & Parks activities. Northern Lights Watch: Aurora viewing may be possible from parts of South Dakota and nearby northern states, though forecasts don’t promise the brightest displays. Local Health & Community: Yankton opens Park Haven, a new women’s residential recovery center, with a grand opening this week and official doors Aug. 24. Gas Prices Check: Lawrence County’s lowest midgrade hit $3.74 (week ending Aug. 15), while Hughes County’s lowest diesel was $4.99—useful for road-trip planning. Safety Reminder: Sheridan police are stepping up DUI patrols through Labor Day as part of “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”