Destination Development Grant

Medium
Medium

Section I Grant Information
 

The grant portal will open August 1, 2025 - 9 a.m. CDT and close September 1, 2025 - 5 p.m. CDT. 

Applicants must submit all materials online, including a detailed project description, budget, and letters of support. Competitive applications will demonstrate a clear vision, strategic alignment with tourism goals, and long-term value. 

 

For questions, contact:
McKenzie Clayburgh
North Dakota Department of Commerce, Tourism Division
Phone: (701) 328-6484
Email: clayburghmckenzie@nd.gov 

BACKGROUND

The 69th Legislative Assembly appropriated $15 million to the Department of Commerce for the Tourism Destination Development Grant Program for the 2025-2027 biennium. Grant applications will be evaluated based on how the proposed project will provide new experiences, how it aligns with North Dakota’s identity and values, and the long-term impact and the timeline for completion. 

PURPOSE

The Destination Development Grant Program provides financial support for the development or expansion of tourism experiences and attractions that contribute to North Dakota’s economic growth and diversification. The program is designed to:

  1. Increase the number of unique visitor experiences
  2. Support workforce recruitment and retention
  3. Enhance the quality of life for North Dakota residents

This grant is intended to fund infrastructure construction or the expansion of attractions and services that serve as anchor tourism destinations—projects that have the potential to stimulate and support additional tourism-related activities and businesses in the area.

Funding is meant to advance projects toward completion, not to support early-stage planning or development.

Eligible uses of funds may include (but are not limited to):

  1. Purchase or construction of new or existing tourism, recreation, entertainment, historic, or cultural attractions
  2. Infrastructure investments that directly support tourism
  3. Purchase of equipment that is essential to the operation of a specific tourism project
     

TO QUALIFY, PROJECTS MUST FALL UNDER AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

Accommodations

Projects that provide lodging experiences distinct from traditional hotels, motels, or short-term homestays. These accommodations should offer memorable immersive experiences that reflect the culture, landscape, or history of the area. Examples include:

  • Rehabilitation of historically significant structures unique to the area (e.g., a downtown boutique hotel).
  • Lodging reflective of regional identity (e.g., ski lodge, glamping site, hunting or fishing lodge).
  • Lodging built alongside a tourism attraction, where the attraction is the primary draw and exceeds the value of the lodging facility.
  • Construction, restoration, or renovation of full-service lodging that is or will be integrated with major tourism assets such as an attraction, convention center, or sports facility.

Culinary Experiences

Food and beverage related attractions that enhance the visitor experience and celebrate local flavor.

  • Breweries or wineries that include tours, tastings or event spaces.
  • Themed destination restaurants developed as part of a larger tourism project.
  • Cultural or regional cuisine experiences that highlight local heritage (e.g., Native American, Scandinavian, German Russian cuisine).

Themed Education and Entertainment Attractions

  • Culinary, Art, and Wellness Experiences
    • Culinary tourism and food-based experiences
    • Art-focused attractions or installations
    • Fitness and wellness retreats
  • Themed Attractions
    • Artist, author, or animal inspired attractions
    • Interactive or narrative-driven experiences
    • Projects can be multi-use and multi-seasonal, serving multiple purposes and events within a community rather than being limited to a single use.
  • Outdoor and Recreational Venues
    • Parks and themed recreational spaces
    • Additional recreational activities that enhance tourism offerings
  • Value-Added Services
    • Equipment rentals (e.g., bikes, kayaks, snowshoes)
    • Guide and outfitter services
    • Curated or complete experience packages for visitors

Agritourism Attractions

Experiences rooted in agriculture, rural culture or working farms that welcome visitors.

  • Farm stays with educational tours, seasonal activities, or community events.
  • Full-service guest ranches offering accommodations and programming.
  • Ranches with event venues for conferences, weddings, or festivals.

Focused Niche Activities

Tourism offerings with a targeted theme or value-added service, often tied to place-based identity.

  • Attractions with historical or cultural themes.
  • Experiences catering to national or state parks visitors.
  • Destinations that emphasize scenic beauty or natural features.
  • Unique community-based amenities that enhance the local tourism appeal.