Our Organization

Our Mission

Incorporated in 1962, the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association's mission is to promote the visitor industry in Northeast South Dakota, contributing to the region's economic viability.

The goal of Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association is to bring the visitor into the Region, to stay awhile, enjoy what we have and tell others about what we have.

Why don't you come and experience what we have?  We'll send a FREE 80 page Regional Visitors Guide to you along with a SD Highway map and our Regional Map, all you have to do is ask.  Or call our office:  1-800-244-8860  Once you visit the Glacial Lakes & Prairies of Northeastern South Dakota, experience the clean open air and the beautiful sunsets, you'll wonder why it took you so long to get here the first time.

For great summer ideas and prize giveaways, become our latest FAN on Facebook.  www.facebook.com/sdglaciallakes.

Membership

There are approximately 350 members in the association and they all receive deliveries of the Visitors Guide, SD Vacation Guide, SD Highway Maps and the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Regional Map, which shows and lists all the lakes, parks and counties within the Region.

All the major Cities and Communities are members along with lodging, eating establishments, attractions, casino's and all that benefit directly and indirectly from the tourism industry.

The Association works very closely with South Dakota Tourism, The Visitors Industry Alliance, The Innkeepers Association, South Dakota Legislature, The South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks and all organizations that have an effect on tourism.

Our Office

Our office is located on the third floor of the Redlin Art Center in Watertown, South Dakota.  We are very fortunate to have a large display area prominently located to the right inside the front door of the Center where tourism related literature from our members is displayed.  During the summer months, our Summer Staff spend their days promoting our members and the entire Region by directly interacting with the traveling public.  This has proven to be a valuable resource as the Redlin Art Center passed the one millionth visitor in July of 2000 and a good share of them visit the display area.

GLPTA is governed by a Board of Directors, which is made up of Industry Leaders and meets as a Body a minimum of 5 times annually.  The annual meeting is normally held in October.

Attractions and Activities

National and International attractions such as the Terry Redlin Art Center in Watertown, Laura Ingalls Wilder at DeSmet, Native American History and Festivals at Sisseton and Flandreau along with hundreds of other museums, attractions and festivals make this Region a destination on the verge of discovery.

Outdoor activities are endless.  Two migratory bird flyways over lap in this region creating an abundance of wildlife for bird hunting and the ever popular, bird watching.  Pheasant and Waterfowl hunting draws millions of people each fall to this state.

Some of the best walleye, northern and perch fishing can be done here.  Hundreds of natural lakes dot the landscape in the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Region and give the angler opportunities unmatched anywhere else in the Midwest in the past few years. We can help you find hunting and fishing guides.