South Dakota Tourism Adds Mindtrip Planning Tool

Travel South Dakota and the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association have added Mindtrip’s AI-powered trip-planning platform to their visitor websites. The joint rollout is Mindtrip’s first simultaneous launch with a state tourism organization and an in-state destination partner. Through TravelSouthDakota.com and BlackHillsBadlands.com, visitors can receive recommendations, build multi-day itineraries, and save and share plans. The tool is designed to help travelers find local businesses, attractions, and experiences across South Dakota.

Planning Across Two Tourism Sites

Mindtrip has integrated its conversational platform into both tourism organizations’ digital experiences. Visitors can ask questions, explore recommendations, create itineraries spanning several days, and find businesses and attractions based on their interests.

The shared launch is intended to give travelers a consistent planning experience as they explore the state and western South Dakota. The Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association represents a region encompassing more than 5 million acres of forests, mountains, lakes, national parks, and tourism attractions.

James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism, said:

“South Dakota has incredible stories to share, and our goal is to inspire more people to experience the full breadth of what our state offers. Mindtrip helps us provide travelers an opportunity to ask questions and discover South Dakota experiences that align with their interests – all while showcasing the local communities, businesses, and destinations that make South Dakota special. We want visitors to arrive with curiosity and leave with a deeper appreciation for the state.”

More Local Discovery

The platform can guide travelers toward experiences ranging from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Missouri River to underground caves, Indigenous culture, Western heritage, scenic drives, and culinary experiences. Travel South Dakota is using the partnership to encourage visitors to explore beyond the state’s most familiar sites.

Visitors can use the itinerary tools to discover local businesses and attractions, then tailor and share plans based on their interests.

Andy Moss, co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip, said:

“Travelers today are looking for experiences that feel personal, and AI is transforming how people discover and plan their journeys. South Dakota is a great example of a destination with so much more to discover beyond the places people already know. Together with Travel South Dakota and Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association, we're helping travelers uncover the landscapes, communities and experiences that make the state unique.”

Regional Tourism Coverage

Mount Rushmore remains a defining symbol of the Black Hills and Badlands, while the region also includes underground caves, wildlife, historic communities, mountain trails, lakes, and forests. The association’s integration is intended to help travelers build trips that include businesses, attractions, and experiences throughout the region.

Michelle Thomson, president of Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association, said:

“Mount Rushmore is an important part of our story, but it's just the beginning of what travelers can experience throughout the Black Hills and Badlands. Mindtrip helps us connect visitors with the businesses, attractions and experiences that bring our region to life, making it easier for travelers to discover more, build their trip and ultimately stay longer and explore deeper.”

What Visitors Can Do

Travelers can access the planning tools on the two tourism websites to create personalized itineraries, identify businesses and attractions, and save or share their plans. The South Dakota launch builds on Mindtrip’s work with destination organizations including Brand USA, The Bahamas, Visit Costa Rica, Discover Puerto Rico, Visit California, Travel Wyoming, Travel Nevada, and New Orleans & Company.