Know How North Dakota Economic Growth Affects Tourism Expansion

Saturday, July 5, 2025

North Dakota, which is well-known for spacious areas, deep culture, and historical history, is focused on key initiatives that will generate sustainable development for the countryside communities of North Dakota. North Dakota recently launched two key grant programs to expand both its local grocery stores and tourism industry, both of them fundamental for driving the local economy and sustainability of small communities.

Supporting Rural Grocery Stores: A Lifeline for Small Towns

One of the most pressing issues facing small-town North Dakota is the growing challenge of food access. The state has been grappling with food deserts, areas where residents have limited access to affordable, nutritious food. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where grocery stores are few and far between, and many people are forced to travel long distances for basic food needs.

In response, the state has earmarked $1 million for grants aimed at improving the viability of small-town grocery stores. These grants, available through the Department of Commerce, will offer up to $150,000 to local governments with populations of 4,500 or fewer. The funding is intended to help rural grocers upgrade their facilities, purchase high-quality equipment, and enhance their ability to provide fresh and perishable products to communities in need.

This initiative is vital for communities that struggle to maintain businesses that sell quality food. With a 20% match requirement, local governments, including tribal governments, must demonstrate their commitment to sustaining these vital establishments. The program encourages collaboration between food providers, schools, restaurants, and other local entities to improve food access, thereby supporting economic development in rural communities.

The Impact on Local Communities and the State’s Economy

The grants to small-town grocery stores represent more than just a lifeline for rural food access—they are a strategic investment in the future of North Dakota’s rural economy. By helping these stores upgrade their infrastructure, the state is fostering a more resilient food system that can support local populations and attract new residents.

Rural grocery stores are often the backbone of small towns. They provide not only food but also serve as community hubs where residents connect, share news, and build relationships. When these stores struggle or close, it can have a ripple effect that negatively impacts the entire community. The grocery store grant program will help alleviate some of these challenges, ensuring that rural North Dakota communities remain vibrant and sustainable.

In addition to improving food access, this program can provide a boost to local economies. Upgraded grocery stores can create jobs, stimulate local business, and help attract new investment. By enhancing food availability, the state is also helping to improve the overall quality of life for residents, ensuring that small towns remain viable places to live and work.

North Dakota’s Tourism Grant Program: Drawing Visitors with Unique Attractions

In a parallel move to support rural economic growth, North Dakota is also focusing on tourism with a $15 million grant program to enhance the state’s recreational appeal and promote its unique cultural identity. These tourism grants, which range from $25,000 to $5 million, are designed to support shovel-ready projects that can draw out-of-state visitors to North Dakota’s recreational locations. The state’s goal is to highlight its natural beauty, distinctive landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, all of which make it an attractive destination for tourists.

These grants will fund projects that enhance existing tourism attractions or develop new ones, with an emphasis on showcasing North Dakota’s unique cultural identity and stunning landscapes. From hiking trails in the Badlands to cultural festivals celebrating the state’s Native American history, the opportunities for tourism projects are varied and numerous.

Tourism’s Economic Impact on North Dakota

The tourism industry has long been a significant contributor to North Dakota’s economy, bringing in millions of dollars in revenue each year. In 2023 alone, the state saw a significant increase in visitors, many of whom were drawn to the state’s picturesque landscapes, recreational activities, and historical sites. With these new tourism grants, the state hopes to continue expanding its tourism infrastructure, ensuring that North Dakota remains an attractive and accessible destination for out-of-state visitors.

For rural communities, tourism can provide a critical source of income and employment. Tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and local shops thrive when visitors arrive, injecting much-needed revenue into small-town economies. The state’s investment in tourism is a forward-thinking strategy to help boost economic activity in areas that may otherwise struggle to sustain businesses.

Previous Success Stories: How Grants Have Made a Difference

The impact of the Department of Commerce’s tourism grants is already evident in several successful projects across the state. Previous recipients have used the funds to develop exciting new attractions that draw in visitors from across the nation.

For instance, the Shores Event Center in Devils Lake has become a hub for both local and out-of-state events, hosting everything from concerts to festivals. Similarly, Thrill Hills, a ski hill in Fort Ransom, has expanded its offerings and attracted outdoor enthusiasts from around the region. Indian Hills Resort in Garrison, a popular hunting and fishing resort, has also benefited from these grants, enabling it to upgrade its facilities and improve the visitor experience.

These success stories demonstrate the tangible benefits that tourism grants bring to North Dakota’s rural communities. With this new round of funding, the state hopes to see even more creative and impactful projects that will further boost tourism and the local economy.

Closing Comments: North Dakota’s Future is Bright
North Dakota’s $1 million rural grocery store grant program and $15 million tourism grant program are two of North Dakota’s major investments in North Dakota’s rural regions and tourism infrastructure. They are manifestations of a bigger commitment to having smaller cities remain dynamic hubs of activity, culture, and commerce.
For North Dakota’s rural areas, these grants are not just funding but an investment in the future. By investing in grocery stores and tourism marketing, North Dakota is cultivating sustainable development to attract new inhabitants, create jobs, and sustain smaller population centers. North Dakota’s efforts to expand access to food and enhance tourism will pay dividends for years to come, furthering its economy and appeal to international travelers alike.

Sources: North Dakota Department of Commerce, North Dakota Grocers Association, North Dakota Tourism Board, North Dakota State Legislature, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development

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