Application period is now closed!
The legislature determines funding for the Destination Development Grant on a biennial basis. If the program receives additional funding, official funding levels and program guidelines will be confirmed following the conclusion of the 2027 spring legislative session.
The Destination Development Grant is administered by the Tourism Division of the Department of Commerce. Questions may be directed to:
McKenzie Redmann
North Dakota Department of Commerce, Tourism Division
Phone: (701) 328-6484
Email: mredemann@nd.gov
*Awardees, please use the link below to access your grant portal to complete your reporting and reimbursement.
2026 Destination Development Grant recipients
The 69th Legislative Assembly appropriated $15 million to the Department of Commerce for the Tourism Destination Development Grant Program for the 2025–2027 biennium. From this appropriation, $4 million was available for applications in the 2026 grant round. The Department of Commerce has awarded these funds to projects statewide that advance new and expanded tourism experiences, strengthen communities, and support long‑term economic vitality.
The 2026 cycle brought in 103 applications from 61 communities, reflecting significant demand and highlighting innovative, forward‑looking projects across North Dakota.
Black Leg Market & Eatery – Sterling | Dakota Sun Winery – Williston | Great Northern Event Center – Williston | Icelandic Rootshús – Mountain Awarded: $300,000 |
Johnny's Landing - Casselton | Legendary Gymnastics: | Pioneer Trails Adventures: | The Prairie Experience at The Bins – Lakota Awarded: $500,000 |
2025 Destination Development Grant recipients
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has awarded $15 million in Destination Development Grants to 22 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 50 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.
Badlands Gateway Trails – Medora | Barn to Yarn Experience – Nome Schoolhouse | Bear Creek Events & Cultural Center – Fargo area |
Boathouse Bunkhouse – Devils Lake | Carrington Rainbow Gardens & Interpretive Center – Carrington | Hearthside Vineyard and Winery – Oakes |
Heartland Trading Post – Rugby area | Icewind Brewing – Casselton | Jurassic Junction – Hettinger |
Medora Conference & Heritage Commons – Medora | Miniature Golf at Frontier Village – Jamestown | Raising the Bar for the Arts – Jamestown |
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| Scandinavian Heritage Park – Minot |
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| Up North Cabins – Langdon | Urbain Cote Round Barn RV “FARM” – Dunseith |
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2025 Destination Development Grants
The application window for this grant closed on September 2nd, 2025 and projects were awarded on October 13th, 2025.
Click here to view the awardees
Transparency for who is receiving grants, loans and incentives from the North Dakota Department of Commerce can be found below. Data is updated on a quarterly, annual or biennial basis depending on the program.