Tourism attractions and destinations celebrate with activities and prizes

Bismarck, N.D. - To celebrate North Dakota's tourism industry and kick off the summer travel season, Gov. Jack Dalrymple has declared May 5 -13 "North Dakota Travel and Tourism Week." It's held in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual salute to the tourism and travel industry that highlights the industry's benefits and importance to communities and Americans.

Springtime is upon us and Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the perfect place to visit and explore during National Park Week, April 21 - 29. Visits to the park during this annual celebration will be free, as the National Park Service is offering free entrance at all of its 397 parks which regularly charge fees.

"Picture Yourself in a National Park" is the focus of this year's National Park Week. As part of the festivities, the park's new film will premier on Saturday, April 21 at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. MDT in the South Unit Visitor Center.

Whether you're admiring the greens on the golf course, enjoying nature, or celebrating Mother Earth, April is a time to go green in North Dakota. Check out these fun ways to enjoy spring, or contact North Dakota Tourism for additional ideas at www.NDtourism.com or call 800-435-5663 or 701-328-2525.
 
1.Seek Refuge

The National Park Service is moving into the maintenance phase of the Elk Management Plan in Theodore Roosevelt National Park this fall, after two highly successful elk reduction efforts during 2010-2011.

"Outstanding efforts by park staff and nearly 400 volunteers resulted in the removal of 868 elk from the park over the past two years," said Superintendent Valerie J. Naylor. "We have met our goal of reducing the population of elk in the South Unit."

Just like the lake, the Devils Lake Chamber Walleye Tournament continues to grow. It grows in popularity every year. It grows in teams, payouts, walleyes caught and fun. First prize money, $5,000, is guaranteed. All funds raised go into the payout and conservation projects around the lake.

A delegation of North Dakota travel and tourism officials represented the state recently at a key industry event in Grapevine, Texas, that connected leading bus tour operators with representatives from travel destinations. The American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace attracted more than 3,300 attendees for the five-day conference.

All programs are open to the first 30 applicants

Bismarck, N.D. Applications are now being accepted for the North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism Division's three tourism-related grant programs. These grants support the development of new tourism infrastructure and the marketing and promotion of tourism attractions and events in North Dakota.

Winter in North Dakota has been mild so far. Take advantage of the opportunity to get outside in relative comfort and do some getting around, whether by dog sled, snowmobile, skis or snowshoes. To find more information about events in North Dakota in January, or for a complete list of activities, go to NDtourism.com; 800-435-5663 or 701-328-2525.

Winter Ag Expo
January 10-11
Jamestown Civic Center

Dakota Stage Ltd. is pleased to continue its educational outreach by offering FREE, community, post show discussions immediately following both Friday night performances of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. These exciting events will include a professional panel of experts in treatment of and legislation for Americans living with mental illness and physical disabilities.