Inductees Who Have Shaped Our State Through Tourism
Tourism is a driving force in South Dakota and has shaped our state in unique ways. From grandiose views of nature to one-of-a-kind attractions, South Dakota has become a one-of-a-kind place to visit. In 2023, an estimated 14.7 million visitors traveled to and within South Dakota!
As we celebrate National Tourism Week, we are highlighting South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees who have contributed to the tourism industry.
Scroll down to read more about the people who have exhibited excellence through tourism in our state.
John Gutzon Borglum (1867–1941) | Bear Lake, ID
John Gutzon Borglum was widely respected and admired for his larger-than-life carving of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. On August 10, 1927, President Calvin Coolidge stood on a platform before 1,700 people at the base of Mount Rushmore. “We have come here to dedicate a cornerstone that was laid by the hand of the Almighty, “ he said. “… The Union of … four Presidents carved on the face of the everlasting hills of South Dakota will constitute a distinctly national monument. It will be decidedly American in its conception, in its magnitude, in its meaning, and altogether worthy of our country.” The monument took 12 years to complete and today receives over two million annual visitors from all over the world. Borglum passed away just one year prior to the monument’s completion. Learn more about John Gutzon Borglum on his Legacy Page here.
Earl Brockelsby (1916–1993) | Kadoka, SD
Earl Brockelsby was a visionary of the South Dakota Tourism Industry. As early as 1935 Earl recognized the need and importance to bring and maintain visitors to the state. Through his love and fascination with reptiles, Brockelsby created the Black Hills Reptile Gardens, an enterprise that would eventually become the world’s largest collection of reptiles and one of the main attractions in South Dakota. To ensure Brockelsby's vision of tourism to the western part of South Dakota, he served as a director of the Black Hills Badlands and Lakes Association for 28 years during which time he served as President. The State of South Dakota has honored Reptile Gardens twice with the George Mickelson Award for Great Service to South Dakota visitors (1994 and 2018) and is the only organization so far to be honored twice. It remains a family-owned business and is steadfast to Earl’s vision of not only having top-notch displays but also offering outstanding hospitality. Learn more about Earl Brockelsby’s legacy in tourism here.
Herb Conn (1920–2012) & Jan Conn |White Mountains, NH
Herb and Jan Conn had a heart for adventure and rock climbing. After exploring much of the United States, they found a deep love for the Black Hills of South Dakota. After settling in the Hills in 1947, Jan became the first woman to free-climb Devil’s Tower, bringing national attention to the monument. In 1959, Jan and Herb found a new love when they began exploring and mapping out Jewel Cave. For the next 22 years, the Conns made almost weekly trips into the cave, mapping over 65 miles of passages. Today, Jewel Cave is listed as a national monument and receives over 100,000 visitors a year. Learn more about Herb Conn on his Legacy Page here, and about Jan Conn on her Legacy Page here.
Dave Geisler (1937-2024) | Murdo, SD
Dave Geisler, a pioneering force in tourism dubbed "Your friend by the side of the road," embodied a relentless drive for progress. From launching a bicycle shop at the age of nine, to steering the Murdo Motor Company to exponential growth, his journey epitomized entrepreneurial spirit. At age 26, he became the youngest Ford Dealer in the Twin Cities District. Passionate about preserving automotive heritage, Dave catalyzed the expansion of the Pioneer Auto Show and Museum. Geisler is a longtime advocate for tourism in the state, but especially in the Blak Hills area. Recognized with the Ben Black Elk Award, Dave is a tireless champion of South Dakota tourism. Learn more about Dave and his impact on tourism here.
Leonel Jensen (1904–2002) | Viborg, SD
For several decades Leonel Jensen served the citizens of South Dakota on many levels. During his tenure with the Game, Fish & Parks Commission, Leonel helped to establish the first roadside parks along the state highways, started the prairie deer season, and introduced wild turkeys to the Cheyenne River Brakes. Jensen was also instrumental in developing a popular hiking path at Sylvan Lake called "Sunday Gulch Trail." In 1973, the South Dakota Wild Life Federation named him Wildlife Conservationist of the Year, and, due to his numerous contributions, Governor Janklow proclaimed January 18, 1985, Leonel Morgan Jensen Day in South Dakota. Learn more about Leonel on his Legacy Page here.
Former Governor Peter Norbeck (1870–1936) | Clay County, SD
Peter Norbeck made a number of historic contributions to South Dakota's tourism industry. He contributed to the development of the Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway in the Black Hills. He brought Gutzon Borglum to South Dakota and convinced Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide federal money for the carving of Mount Rushmore. He also contributed to the development of Sylvan Lake, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National Park. Today Custer state park alone receives over 2 million visitors annually, and the Tourism Industry has become one of the largest providers. Learn more about Former Governor Peter Norbeck’s Legacy here.
Robert Perry (1916–1998) | Aberdeen, SD
Robert “ Bob” Perry is credited with being the person that made Fort Sisseton into a state park in 1959, and the Chairman of the drive to make Sica Hollow into a state park and to get it recognized as a national historical site. Bob was known as a historian, for a number of reasons, most notably for his knowledge of and efforts to save Fort Sisseton. He spent countless hours on the project, doing research and appearing before the legislator. Today, Fort Sisseton is one of the state’s top tourist attractions. Bob wrote the book Prayer Rock, which is used as a textbook in several South Dakota school systems. It is the result of over 40 years of research by Perry on the Glacial Lake area of South Dakota. Bob has been the recipient of numerous awards for his historical preservation efforts and has served on many state and national boards. He has received such honors as the Ben Black Elk Award, South Dakota Volunteer of the Year, and Outstanding Friend of Education. Learn more about Robert on his Legacy Page here.
Korczak Ziolkowski (1908–1942) & Ruth Ziolkowski ( 1926–2014) | Custer, SD
Korczak and Ruth Ziolkowski have established a monument that continues to inspire and evolve to this day. Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest mountain carving and has been actively worked on for 75 years. In 1939, Sioux Chief Henry Standing Bear was looking to develop a memorial to the spirit of the Sioux Nation and their great Chief Crazy Horse. The first blast officially took place on June 3, 1948. Korczak worked on the project free of charge and without monetary support from the government, and felt very strongly that the interested public, not the government, should finance the memorial. All funds for the project have come from private individuals, organizations, and businesses. Ruth’s steadfast dedication to her husband’s vision evolved into her running the memorial and having a hand in nearly every day-to-day activity. Today, Crazy Horse Memorial welcomes nearly half a million visitors annually. Learn more about Korczak Ziolkowski on his Legacy Page here, and you can learn more about Ruth Ziolkowski on her Legacy Page here.
Are you planning a trip to or within south dakota this summer?
Add the South Dakota Hall of Fame Visitor and Education Center to your list of attractions. The Visitor & Education Center is home to a vast collection of South Dakota history in the form of our exhibits, and the collective legacies of over 770 individuals who have been inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame since its establishment in 1974.
2024 Hours of Operation
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closed on holidays
Summer Hours: May 27 – September 14
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open on holidays
Fall through End of Year Hours: September 15 – December 31
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