Summer Tourism Looking Good | Video

Jennifer Joas | 7/23/2012

It is too early for official results, but the North Dakota Tourism Department says attendance numbers are up this year throughout the state.

"Attractions specifically at Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Fort Union, and the national park sites are all up. So there is a few isolated attractions that are down or events that are down, but for the most part we are seeing pretty positive numbers," said Sara Otte Coleman, Tourism Division Director.

One of those parks experiencing an increase is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park near Mandan.

"We are pretty happy that, so far into this year, visitation is up. Overall, statewide in all of our state parks, visitation is up about 20 percent. We are up to about 408,000 so far statewide," said Maureen Trnka, Park Ranger.

Last year Fort Lincoln had to close its campground because of flooding. But this year, it re-opened on June 1, and it had a slow, but steady, start.

"We are just happy with the numbers. We are getting a lot of the locals back coming to our campground. A lot of out of staters as well touring the Custer House and the On-A-Slant Village. We are just happy to have out campground open again," said Trnka.

If you do not like setting up your own tent, Fort Lincoln even has teepees available to rent. Fort Lincoln also built new cabins because of last year`s flooding and is offering helicopter rides.

Summer is not over yet, so if you have not experienced legendary North Dakota, do not wait.

"Do not assume that if your weekend opens up, and you have got some free time, that you cannot go to Medora, or you cannot get a room up in Minot. Try. Try and call the hotels directly or try and book that excursion or that activity because there are always last minute cancellations," said Coleman.

Airline boardings and Canadian border crossings are also up this year. If you are looking to travel, you can search by date or activity interest by logging onto ndtourism.com.

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