South Dakota Great Places Designee My XO Adventures
Honored to Be a South Dakota Great Place Designee
It was an unexpected honor to be recognized as an official South Dakota Great Place Designee for Rapid City. South Dakota holds a special place in my heart, and receiving this acknowledgment has only deepened my gratitude for the people, landscapes, and stories that define this remarkable region. I have spent countless hours reading, listening, visiting sacred places, and learning from those who know the land best. Every bit of that effort has been driven by the desire to give each guest more than a tour. I want them to walk away with a meaningful, personal connection to the Black Hills and Badlands.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism shared this about the Great Place program, and it resonates deeply.
“Great service is critical to the South Dakota Department of Tourism. That’s why we want to put a spotlight on the businesses that exemplify excellent service around the state.
We value and appreciate the businesses that consistently put people first, continuously go above and beyond, and help strangers at every opportunity. The South Dakota Great Place program recognizes these businesses each year.”
That message says a lot about the spirit of this state. No matter where you go in South Dakota, people care about people. They care about kindness, reliability, pride of place, and hospitality that actually feels human. My XO Adventures is simply one piece of that larger culture of generosity.
Gratitude for the People Who Make This Possible
Although I guide the tours, many human beings helped me reach this point. Faith has carried me. My family and friends reminded me daily that I could build something meaningful. They encouraged the long days, the early mornings, the nights studying Lakota culture, geology, and ecology, and the moments when the season felt overwhelming. I am thankful to every person who trusted me along the way and welcomed me into this landscape with open arms.
There is nothing quite like being supported by a community that wants you to succeed. That sense of belonging carried me through the season and into this new chapter.
Looking Ahead: Giving Back and Growing With Purpose
The mission for the coming year is simple. Give more than I take. Share knowledge generously. Support the region that has given me so much. Build a company culture that values education, kindness, and respect for land and people.
Plans for the upcoming season include:
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Supporting a local 501(c)(3) with meaningful contributions
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Providing higher levels of training and education for guides
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Raising the standard for guide benefits and quality of life
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Growing with intention so the guest experience remains personal and heartfelt
South Dakota deserves guides who treat the Black Hills and Badlands with reverence. My goal is to help set that standard and keep raising it as we grow.
A New Season Ahead
Rapid City has become home, and the Black Hills and Badlands feel like home. I am excited to enter a new season with fresh energy, a new guide joining the team, and another vehicle that allows us to welcome more guests without losing the intimacy of a private tour.
Thank you to everyone who believed in My XO Adventures, supported this journey, and helped create something truly special here in South Dakota. The best chapters are still ahead.
