November 25, 2025

DIGEST: North Dakota awards more than $18 million in tourism grants

Steve Hallstrom
Special to The Farmer

North Dakota is investing heavily in its tourism infrastructure and rural communities, and the Bakken is a prime recipient of the state funding.


The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced that it now has distributed more than $15 million in Destination Development Grants to 23 projects statewide, the largest single round in program history. 
The recipients include:


• Stockman’s Square (Watford City) - $400,000
• Badlands Gateway Trails (Medora) - $462,457
• Medora Conference & Heritage Commons (Medora) - $250,000
• ND Country Fest Accommodations & Permanent Stage (New Salem) - $4,000,000
• Scandinavian Heritage Park (Minot) - $110,943
• Urbain Cote Round Barn RV “FARM” (Dunseith) - $3,000,000


Other notable recipients include $1.2 million for a dinosaur-themed family attraction in Hettinger and $1 million to transform Bear Creek Winery near Fargo into a year-round cultural and ag tourism destination featuring lodging, event spaces and wellness programming. 

For the full story, visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!

WATFORD CITY WEATHER