The South Dakota Department of Tourism is the official tourism department in the state of South Dakota. The department focuses on enhancing the quality of life for South Dakotans by strengthening communities and their tourism economies, encouraging stewardship of their destination, and creating lasting memories for those who visit the state's landmarks. The South Dakota Department of Tourism is made up of two divisions: Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. Tourism is separated into four teams: Global Media & Public Relations; Global Travel & Trade; Global Marketing & Brand Strategy; and Industry Outreach, Development & Research.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The South Dakota Department of Tourism announced in October 2010 that the Black Hills and the Badlands would be heading to the Big Apple that November -- as a fantasy float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The float, titled Mount Rushmore’s American Pride was designed and constructed at the former Macy’s Parade Studio in Hoboken, New Jersey, and was set to debut in the 2010 Macy’s Parade.
Giving Parade spectators the Presidential treatment, the Mount Rushmore’s American Pride float features the likeness of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park and the Black Hills National Forest. Majestic rivers, beautiful pine forests and ancient dinosaur fossils and share the landscape with a towering depiction of the four famous faces.
In addition to the iconic presidents, the float features indigenous animals of the Great Plains and elements representing South Dakota’s Native American heritage. Float escorts dressed as park rangers, fishermen and wildlife, topping off the tribute to Mount Rushmore.
The South Dakota-inspired float was only the second-ever float to be based on an American state, following behind 2005’s Oklahoma Rising! float.
The Mount Rushmore’s American Pride float continued to make several appearances in the famed holiday spectacle, becoming a Parade staple and an iconic piece of the lineup. Between 2015 and 2019, the Mount Rushmore Mascots joined the patriotic display and greeted spectators along the streets of Manhattan.
After more than ten years in the lineup, the Mount Rushmore's American Pride float was retired from the line of march following its appearance in the 2021 Parade.
Guest Stars[]
Listed below are the guest stars that has performed/appeared on the float, alongside the respective songs which they sang during the NBC Telecast.
- 2010 - Mannheim Steamroller, performed "Deck the Halls"
- 2011 - Neil Diamond, sang "America"
- 2012 - Don Mclean, sang "American Pie"
- 2013 - The Summer Set, sang "Lightning in a Bottle"
- 2014 - NEEDTOBREATHE, sang "Shelter"
- 2015 - MercyMe, sang "Christmastime Again"
- 2016 - Ben Rector, sang "Brand New"
- 2017 - Smokey Robinson, sang "Christmas Everyday"
- 2018 - Kane Brown, sang "Good as You"
- 2019 - Chris Young, sang "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
- 2020 - Lauren Alaina, sang "Run"
- 2021 - Chris Lane, sang "I Don't Know About You"