- Innovative AI Collaboration: Travel South Dakota and the Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association have integrated Mindtrip’s conversational AI platform into their digital websites.
- First Dual Launch Partnership: The initiative marks Mindtrip’s first simultaneous launch with both a state tourism office and a regional destination marketing organization.
- Personalized Itinerary Building: Visitors can easily chat with the platform to discover local attractions, build custom multi-day trips, and support small businesses across the state.
- Encouraging Deeper Exploration: The tool is designed to guide travelers beyond famous monuments like Mount Rushmore into state parks, scenic byways, and lesser-known regional communities
Discovering the rugged beauty, rich heritage, and hidden gems of the Mount Rushmore State is now easier than ever as Travel South Dakota and the Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association announce an innovative partnership with AI-powered travel platform Mindtrip. Officially launched in September 2026, this collaboration marks Mindtrip’s first simultaneous integration with both a state tourism organization and an in-state regional destination partner, delivering a seamless trip-planning experience across TravelSouthDakota.com and BlackHillsBadlands.com.
The conversational AI platform empowers visitors to design customized itineraries, explore multi-day travel routes, and uncover local businesses, unique culinary spots, and attractions tailored to their personal interests. While iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, and Historic Deadwood remain major draws, the new technology encourages travelers to venture deeper into the state. From underground caves and scenic mountain trails to vibrant Indigenous culture and wildlife viewing across millions of acres of forests and prairies, Mindtrip bridges the gap between famous sights and authentic local communities.
This strategic rollout aligns with South Dakota’s broader tourism goals to reshape visitor perceptions, extend length of stay, and highlight the diverse breadth of the region. Joining a growing roster of world-class destination partners utilizing Mindtrip technology, including Brand USA, Visit California, and Travel Wyoming, the platform ensures that planning a journey to South Dakota is as exciting, engaging, and inspiring as exploring the destination itself.