South Dakota’s Great Outdoors

The month of June is Great Outdoors Month, and it’s a good thing because just one day, or even a whole week, would hardly be enough to celebrate South Dakota’s natural treasures. From the ponderosa pines to the prairies and the Palisades, there’s so much to see in South Dakota. And with school out for the summer and long summer days ahead, it’s the perfect time to explore all that our state has to offer. Tourism is one of our state’s leading industries due in large part to South Dakota’s rich natural beauty. Tourists may come to see Mount Rushmore, but they quickly discover that that iconic monument is just the start of what there is to see in South Dakota. There are beautiful lakes like Mina Lake and Sand Lake up north, Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, and Lake Oahe on the Missouri River. The Badlands, where the views make you feel like you’ve gone to another planet. And there are trails to be conquered in state parks from Black Elk Peak in Custer State Park to the Perimeter Loop in Sica Hollow State Park, and so much more. Last year, nearly 15 million people visited South Dakota. They came to see our mountains and monuments, to hike our trails, relax on our rivers and lakes, and to enjoy some of the best hunting and fishing around. All told, tourism brought $5 billion to our state’s economy, supporting our restaurants, hotels, outfitters, tour guides, and many other local businesses. I know from experience how important the summer travel season is to small businesses that rely on tourists. Growing up in Murdo at the crossroads of Highway 83 and I-90, we saw our fair share of tourists passing through on their way to the Black Hills, and I served a lot of them at the Star Family Restaurant. I know a lot of workers in the restaurant, hospitality, and tourism industries look forward to this busy season and the extra dollars that come with it. And thanks to Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, they’re able to keep more of that hard-earned money because that bill allows workers to deduct income from tips and overtime pay on their taxes, resulting in significant tax savings. I know South Dakotans don’t wait for it to be Great Outdoors Month to enjoy our state’s natural beauty. We know that we have something special here in South Dakota, and we enjoy it every chance we get. With longer days ahead of us, we have more time to spend on the trail, at the lake, or gathered round the campfire. So let’s go outside!