PIERRE, S.D., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel South Dakota and the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association have partnered with Mindtrip, an AI-powered travel platform that empowers travelers exploring the state and strengthens their trip planning experience. 

"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," said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. "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."

The collaboration marks Mindtrip's first simultaneous launch with both a state tourism organization and an in-state destination partner, helping visitors with a consistent planning experience as they discover more of South Dakota beyond its most recognized landmarks.

Through the partnership, Mindtrip's conversational platform has been integrated into both organizations' digital experiences, including TravelSouthDakota.com and BlackHillsBadlands.com, guiding travelers to create personalized itineraries. Visitors can explore recommendations, build multi-day trips, discover local businesses and attractions, and save and share plans tailored to their interests.

"Travelers today are looking for experiences that feel personal, and AI is transforming how people discover and plan their journeys," said Andy Moss, co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip. "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."

From Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Missouri River to underground caves, Indigenous culture, Western heritage, scenic drives, and unique culinary experiences, South Dakota offers a range of opportunities that consistently surprise first-time visitors. The partnership supports Travel South Dakota's broader goal of reshaping perceptions of the state and encouraging travelers to venture beyond its most familiar sites.

The Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association represents western South Dakota, encompassing more than 5 million acres of forests, mountains, lakes, national parks, and a large number of tourism attractions. Mount Rushmore National Memorial remains its defining symbol, but travelers can also discover underground caves, wildlife, historic communities, mountain trails, and countless other outdoor experiences throughout the region.

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

The partnership builds on Mindtrip's growing work with destinations worldwide, including Brand USA, The Bahamas, Visit Costa Rica, Discover Puerto Rico, Visit California, Travel Wyoming, Travel Nevada, and New Orleans & Company.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.  

About Mindtrip
Mindtrip is a travel platform that leverages proprietary AI to make travel exciting, easy and fun. Founded in 2023 in Silicon Valley, Mindtrip was developed by serial entrepreneurs and avid travelers who have a deep understanding of technology, trends, and a proven track record of bringing game-changing products to market. The company's founders created Mindtrip, a first-of-its-kind platform that combines conversational AI with a proprietary knowledge base to deliver personalized travel experiences that are accurate, actionable, and all in one place. To learn more about Mindtrip, its founders, and where to access, to learn more, visit Mindtrip.ai/business.

About Travel South Dakota
The Mount Rushmore State offers a diverse range of scenic byways and dramatic landscapes; iconic monuments and quirky roadside attractions; colorful history and rich culture; and the multitude of travel experiences that make it a popular destination to visit year-round. South Dakota is home to famed sites like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Old West town of Historic Deadwood, along with rolling prairies and majestic mountains. The state boasts six national parks, including Badlands National Park, and 63 state parks and recreation areas, offering endless opportunities for exploration, camping and spotting wildlife. In addition to the vast outdoor adventures, the destination has an array of distinct events, unique museums and Indigenous heritage for travelers to discover. Learn more at TravelSouthDakota.com.

About Black Hills & Badlands Tourism
Founded in 1939, the Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association is a private, nonprofit destination marketing organization promoting the Black Hills and Badlands region of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming. The region is home to some of the nation's most iconic landscapes and attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and Historic Deadwood. Beyond these well-known destinations, visitors can explore scenic byways, underground caves, mountain trails, lakes and forests, abundant wildlife, Old West history and welcoming communities throughout the region. BH&B works with tourism businesses and communities to inspire travel, connect visitors with memorable experiences and strengthen the region's visitor economy. Learn more at BlackHillsBadlands.com.

CONTACT: Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director, Travel South Dakota

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SOURCE Mindtrip