We want to really thank the North Dakota Department of Commerce for offering their 2012-13 Tourism Expansion Grants.
They have been a tremendous benefit to a lot of organizations. Some examples from last year are:
Recipients of the 2011 Tourism Infrastructure Grant Program are:
The Dakota Zoo, Bismarck, for the Heringer Family Primate Center. This new primate facility will allow the zoo to extend its hours through the winter months while creating a new visitor experience.
Bottineau Winter Park, Bottineau, for Annie's House, which will provide a new adaptive ski facility at the Winter Park where disabled skiers will have the ability to enjoy North Dakota's slopes with all of the amenities.
Red River Valley Fair, Fargo, for the Schollander Pavilion Renovation. This renovation will extend the season at the Red River Valley Fair by providing updated facilities for multiple users such as events and manufacture demonstrations.
Sleepy Hollow, Bismarck, for the stage at Sleepy Hollow Arts Park. The replacement of the stage at Sleepy Hollow will provide additional uses for the community and allow the facility to expand its visitor potential by hosting larger productions at the park.
North Dakota State Fair, Minot, for campsite development. The development of additional RV sites on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds provides improved amenities and needed accommodations for leisure travelers who enjoy events such as the Norsk Høstfest and North Dakota State Fair.
Riverdale High Lodge, Riverdale, for construction of an RV park and cabins, which will allow the facility the ability to attract more leisure travelers.
Recipients of the 2011 Expansion Grants are:
Rolling Plains Adventures, McKenzie, for the renovation of its historic home to become its main lodge. This project will provide a unique experience for visitors and allow the "Black Leg Ranch" story to be shared with ranch vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bottineau Winter Park, Bottineau, for Annie's House. The Winter Park will replace the existing ski lodge with a new one to provide additional amenities and enhance skiers' and tubers' experiences.
Coteau des Prairie Lodge, Sargent County, for construction of a new guest lodge. The Coteau des Prairie Lodge made entirely from North Dakota logs will encourage travel to rural North Dakota and showcase prairie landscapes.
The Enchanted Highway LLC., Regent, for the Enchanted Castle. Gary Greff, the creator of the Enchanted Highway, has renovated Regent's high school, creating majestic themed suites to expand accommodations offered in Regent.
Ruby Ranch, Grassy Butte, for the construction of new lodging. The addition of this new lodge to Ruby Ranch's existing accommodations provides an additional accommodation for the leisure traveler to explore North Dakota's Badlands.