North Dakota Awards $15 Million to Boost Tourism Across 23 Communities; Minot Included

The North Dakota Department of Commerce has awarded $15 million in Destination Development Grants to 23 projects across the state. These investments will enhance tourism infrastructure, elevate visitor experiences, and support long-term economic growth in communities large and small.

The 2025 grant cycle was like a statewide road trip with 106 applications from 45 communities, each one a unique stop showcasing local gems and bold ideas. Together, they mapped out $153.2 million in proposals aimed at making North Dakota an even more unforgettable destination. The projects varied widely in scope and appeal, targeting distinct visitor segments and offering new or expanded experiences designed to attract new travelers while enhancing residents’ quality of life.

“Tourism plays an essential role in North Dakota, contributing to a strong economy by attracting visitors who spend money and pay taxes and helping to attract new residents and workforce,” said Gov. Kelly Armstrong. “This grant program will support projects that offer legendary experiences that make our state a unique destination.”

Building on that vision, Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman emphasized the program’s broader impact on communities and residents.

“By creating more experiences that attract new visitors and encourage longer stays, we’re not only boosting tourism but also enriching communities,” said Otte Coleman. “This grant program empowers communities and businesses to develop and expand their tourism offerings in ways that drive economic growth, diversify local economies, and showcase the unique stories and destinations that make our state special.”

2025 Destination Development Grant Recipients

• Badlands Gateway Trails – Medora
  Awarded: $462,457
  A new 8.1-mile trail system will connect downtown Medora to the surrounding Badlands, offering year-round access for hikers and bikers. The trail features beginner-friendly ridge-edge trails with panoramic views, bike-only flow trails for advanced riders, and a shared-use option for those seeking a gentler climb.
• Barn to Yarn Experience – Nome Schoolhouse
  Awarded: $181,200
  Guests will meet fiber-producing animals and follow the process from barn to yarn in a fully renovated, accessible historic barn. This immersive agritourism experience adds RV sites and appeals to families, crafters, and curious explorers.
• Bear Creek Events & Cultural Center – Fargo area
  Awarded: $1,000,000
  Bear Creek Winery will expand into a four-season destination adding boutique lodging, agritourism, cultural programming, wellness, and outdoor recreation — from an outdoor stage and pickleball courts to curated hiking trails, a greenhouse, and a seasonal cider and beer garden.
• Boathouse Bunkhouse – Devils Lake
  Awarded: $488,369
  A historic houseboat and new bunkhouse will provide year-round group lodging for hunters, anglers, and adventure travelers seeking distinctive overnight experiences.
• Carrington Rainbow Gardens & Interpretive Center – Carrington
  Awarded: $200,000
  This new cultural destination will feature a Japanese-style garden, tea house, and exhibits celebrating Harry Hayashi, who built the original Rainbow Gardens in the 1930s.
• Hearthside Vineyard and Winery – Oakes
  Awarded: $500,000
  A rural retreat featuring a tasting room, patios, and micro-stores showcasing local products, with vineyard views, pairings, and hands-on agricultural activities.
• Heartland Trading Post – Rugby area
  Awarded: $152,000
  A working ranch will add accommodations and offer immersive experiences highlighting bison products, garden produce, and regional craftsmanship.
• Icewind Brewing – Casselton
  Awarded: $350,000
  A boutique brewery offering small-batch beers inspired by local flavors and upstairs lodging in a historic downtown building.
• Jurassic Junction – Hettinger
  Awarded: $1,200,000
  Transforming the Hettinger Bowling Alley into a dinosaur-themed year-round destination with an open-air venue complementing regional paleontology attractions.
• Medora Conference & Heritage Commons – Medora
  Awarded: $250,000
  A new year-round facility will host conferences and cultural events, with an adjoining Heritage Commons offering scenic igloo tents and farm-to-table dining.
• Miniature Golf at Frontier Village – Jamestown
  Awarded: $212,500
  An 18-hole, locally themed miniature golf course telling the stories of Jamestown and North Dakota.
• ND Country Fest Accommodations & Permanent Stage – New Salem
  Awarded: $4,000,000
  Permanent cabins, glamping options, and a year-round stage will expand North Dakota’s largest country music festival into a multi-use venue.
• Raising the Bar for the Arts – Jamestown
  Awarded: $500,000
  Transforming a historic downtown property into a year-round arts and culinary tourism destination with workshops and exhibitions.
• Red Panda Legacy Project – Fargo
  Awarded: $250,000
  The Red River Zoo will create a first-of-its-kind red panda habitat with aerial bridges and up-close encounters.
• Red River Valley Grandstand – West Fargo
  Awarded: $616,697
  A new professional-grade grandstand will expand year-round programming and attract larger performances.
• Scandinavian Heritage Park – Minot
  Awarded: $250,000
  A new Dala Horse and plaza restoration will preserve cultural landmarks and enhance visitor safety.
• 6 Mile Lodge Expansion – Devils Lake
  Awarded: $250,000
  Expansion adds a cabin, cleaning facilities, and amenities like a sauna and kayak rentals.
• Stockman’s Square – Watford City
  Awarded: $400,000
  A civic plaza celebrating ranching heritage with live events, food trucks, art, and an interactive storytelling library.
• Tourism Makerspace Hub – Mandan
  Awarded: $500,000
  A creative hub for workshops, culinary experiences, and tech-enabled souvenirs in a historic freight house.
• Trestle Commons – Bismarck
  Awarded: $500,000
  A downtown food hall featuring rotating pop-ups, local vendors, public art, and global flavors.
• Up North Cabins – Langdon
  Awarded: $97,000
  Expansion adds a permanent structure for unplugged getaways near Pembina Gorge.
• Urbain Cote Round Barn RV “FARM” – Dunseith
  Awarded: $3,000,000
  Restoring the 1943 round barn into a hands-on agritourism destination with a dairy museum, petting zoo, and RV park.
• Valley City Heritage Voices – Valley City
  Awarded: $31,303
  Twenty talking trail sites and a WWII Heritage City exhibit will expand cultural tourism and accessibility.

Together, these projects represent a bold investment in North Dakota’s tourism future — supporting communities, celebrating cultural identity, and inviting visitors to experience the state in new and meaningful ways.

This program, funded by the 69th Legislative Assembly, is designed to support the development and expansion of tourism experiences and attractions that contribute to North Dakota’s economic growth and diversification.

For more information on the grant applicants and recipients, visit https://ndgov.link/DestinationDevelopment.