AGP Executive Report

New Park Opening: Pembina Gorge State Park near Walhalla opens for camping and outdoor recreation Tuesday, June 9, with trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and OHVs—plus an OHV campground and a big trail network already partly open. Tourism Update: North Dakota’s latest tourism impact report says visitation and spending dipped in 2025, driven largely by reduced Canadian travel, but early signs point to momentum heading into 2026. Long-Distance Hiking: North Dakota is home to the start of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a 4,600+ mile route spanning eight states and drawing hikers, snowshoers, skiers, cyclists and equestrians. Road Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy reports show lower fuel prices in parts of the region, including diesel at $4.90 in McHenry County and regular gas as low as $3.89 in McKenzie County—useful for summer travel planning. Skywatching: NOAA upgraded the northern lights outlook for Thursday, June 4 through Friday, June 5, with a rare chance of auroras visible across up to 23 states. Local Culture & Fun: Dakota Wesleyan dinner theatre returns for a second season, and a Walhalla column highlights the town’s charm for travelers.

Tourism Watch: North Dakota’s visitor economy slipped in 2025, with 25.6 million visitors (down 2.6%) and $3.4 billion in spending (down 1.2%), driven largely by a sharp drop in Canadian travel—though domestic travel stayed strong and early signs point to momentum for 2026. Trail Spotlight: The North Country National Scenic Trail starts in North Dakota and runs about 460 miles through the state, part of a 4,600+ mile route that stretches across eight states. Northern Lights Alert: NOAA upgraded the outlook for Thursday June 4 into Friday June 5, with strong-to-severe geomagnetic storms raising hopes for auroras across as many as 23 states. Road Trip Practicality: Gas prices eased for drivers, with Fargo-Moorhead seeing a weekly drop of about 25 cents and North Dakota’s average falling to around $3.98. Community & Culture: Williston hosts the 2026 Miss North Dakota and Miss North Dakota’s Teen competitions June 10-13, with winners advancing to Miss America events in Florida.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA is forecasting a strong aurora show this Thursday–Friday (June 4–5), with possible sightings as far south as 23 states—good news for North Dakota stargazers who don’t need to travel north. Air Travel Update: Allegiant is cutting dozens of Florida routes for summer/fall 2026, a reminder that flight plans can change fast for anyone booking trips. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA reports gas prices have dropped in the Fargo-Moorhead area and across North Dakota, easing costs for summer driving. Local Travel & Safety: North Dakota’s AG is warning homeowners about summer asphalt-paving scams that pressure quick payment and can leave shoddy work behind. Outdoor & Wildlife: A new Farm Bill-funded program expands across 17 states—including North Dakota—to help farmers protect big-game migration corridors on private land. Tourism-Adjacent Tech: Vantis BVLOS operations add a new FAA waiver partner, expanding drone coverage across more than 5,000 square miles in North Dakota airspace. Community Events: Williston hosts the 2026 Miss North Dakota and Miss North Dakota’s Teen competitions in June, with winners advancing to Miss America events.

All-Star Baseball: The West All Stars swept the East in the 2026 SCHEELS Softball All-Star Series, scoring 36 runs across Fargo and Bismarck, with Minot North grad Aven Kelly among the standouts. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA is forecasting possible G3 to G4 auroras visible across parts of the northern U.S. and Canada this Thursday and Friday, though forecasts can shift fast. Local Elections: A Jefferson County sheriff race pits incumbent Tom Grimsrud against his longtime deputy, with another challenger also in the mix. Travel Safety & Planning: North Dakota officials are warning homeowners about summer asphalt-paving scams that push rushed, discounted deals and demand quick payment. Road Trip Reality Check: AAA reports gas prices dropping in North Dakota and the Fargo-Moorhead area, offering some relief for summer travel budgets. Outdoor & Space Tech: A NASA wastewater treatment system is headed to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks for testing tied to future Moon and Mars missions. Community Events: Williston hosts the Miss North Dakota and Miss North Dakota’s Teen competitions in June, with winners advancing to Miss America and Miss America’s Teen.

Scholarships & Pageants: Williston will host the 2026 Miss North Dakota and Miss North Dakota’s Teen competitions June 10-13, with 44 contestants chasing scholarship dollars; winners advance to Miss America and Miss America’s Teen in Florida, and the new Miss North Dakota will join a July 3 U.S. 250th anniversary parade in Philadelphia. Road Trip Reality Check: AAA reports gas prices are down in the Fargo-Moorhead area—about 25 cents over the past week—while North Dakota averages dropped from $4.15 to $3.98, easing summer travel costs. Car Camping Question: A new explainer looks at whether it’s legal to sleep in your car in North Dakota, pointing to rules around parking and rest areas. Wildlife-Friendly Funding: Federal Farm Bill funding is expanding to help farmers and ranchers protect big-game migration corridors on private land across 17 states, including North Dakota. Local Summer Plans: Williston’s Municipal Golf Course is set for major upgrades, including a new clubhouse and expanding from nine holes to 18. Safety Alert for Homeowners: The ND attorney general is warning about summer asphalt-paving scams that pressure quick payment and can leave shoddy work behind.

Fertilizer Hauling Relief: The FMCSA granted a waiver letting drivers hauling fertilizer in 34 states drive up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period (with a 6-hour sleeper-berth break) during May 26–Aug. 26, easing Hours of Service limits amid supply pressure. EV Insurance Reality Check: New data says insuring an EV costs about 42% more than a gas car, though the gap is shrinking for newer models—useful for travelers planning vehicle upgrades. Gas Prices & Summer Travel: The DNC highlighted states where gas has fallen below $3, while the broader takeaway is that pump costs remain a travel-budget headache. North Dakota Tourism & Leisure: Williston’s Municipal Golf Course is set for major upgrades, including a new clubhouse and expanding from 9 to 18 holes. Family Fun on the Road: A “one tank getaway” idea spotlights the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway for history and outdoor stops. Safety on ND Roads: Two separate crash reports—one in New Town (two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 2) and one in Mountrail County—underscore seat-belt and yield-at-intersections risks. Outdoor Tech & Space Travel: NASA’s deployable wastewater system is being tested at UND in Grand Forks, a reminder that North Dakota is tied into big-picture travel and exploration tech.

One-Tank Getaways: With summer travel kicking off and gas averaging $4.47 a gallon, a new guide highlights easy eastern North Dakota trips like the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway (Fort Ransom State Park, history stops, and North Country Trail hikes) plus quick hits in Jamestown, Fargo, and Devils Lake. Local Attractions: Garrison keeps drawing visitors with its “Christmas Capital” identity and quirky, prairie-town charm tied to Lake Sakakawea and walleye culture. Golf & Community Upgrades: Williston’s Municipal Golf Course is set for a full renovation—new clubhouse and facilities—and expansion from 9 holes to 18. Family Fun Outdoors: Rope & Oak Children’s Nature Park near Fargo is turning a farmland forest into a hands-on playground/science daydream. Travel Safety & Planning: North Dakota and the region get reminders to stay alert and prevent bear conflicts while hiking or camping. Road Notes: A fatal crash in Dunseith and another in Mountrail County underscore seat-belt and yield reminders for drivers. Travel-Adjacent News: Kwik Trip is eyeing Nebraska expansion, and a North Dakota scam warning targets fake farm equipment listings.

Convenience Store Expansion: Kwik Trip says it’s eyeing a Nebraska debut, with plans to use the Kwik Star name; the chain already has stores in South Dakota and its first North Dakota location opened in November. Travel Policy Watch: California added North Dakota (plus Arkansas, Montana, and West Virginia) to its list of states where state-funded travel is banned, citing LGBTQ+ discrimination laws. Family Fun in Fargo Area: A couple south of Fargo is building Rope & Oak Children’s Nature Park, a hand-built outdoor playground and mini “science museum” experience. Outdoor & Park Updates: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is getting donated trees via a partnership with local Scouts, adding shade for future picnickers. Roadside Safety: A Dunseith man died in a single-vehicle crash after his pickup struck a tree; investigators say he wasn’t wearing a seat belt. Summer Travel Planning: Williams County is closing Epping/Springbrook Dam recreation area for upgrades through the rest of 2026, including entrance changes and new campsite road paving. Local Lodging/Events: Stutsman County early voting starts Monday in Jamestown, with details for travelers who want to vote before June 9. Health & Travel Prep: North Dakota’s $40M grant opportunity will help rural hospitals upgrade equipment, aiming to keep more emergency and specialty care close to home.

Search & Rescue: Teton County Search and Rescue golden retrievers Avalanche and Chief are helping families find answers as certified human remains detection dogs, with handlers covering travel costs for out-of-state deployments. Local Tourism & Family Fun: Rope & Oak Children’s Nature Park is taking shape south of Fargo, built by a newlywed couple with hands-on, kid-friendly “playground-meets-science” outdoor exhibits. Parks & Camping Updates: Williams County is closing Epping/Springbrook Dam for major upgrades through the rest of 2026, including safer access and new campground improvements. Outdoor Recreation: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park added donated trees via a Scouts partnership, boosting picnic-area shade and giving youth a service project. Community Travel Picks: STOP Ice Cream & Snacks opened in Dickinson with Mexican-inspired treats and homemade waffle cones, drawing early crowds from road-trip inspiration. Rural Health: North Dakota launched a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals upgrade clinical equipment and expand emergency and specialty care locally. Events: Valley City’s Music in the Park returns June 3 at the bandshell, kicking off a 30th season with a veterans tribute. Safety on the Road: I-94 near Valley City saw a semi rollover releasing an estimated two million bees after an improper lane change, prompting local beekeepers to respond and authorities to advise shelter-in-place for allergies.

Online Scam Alert: A fake “Bass Farm Equipment” site is impersonating a real Castlewood, S.D., family business and reportedly stealing $35,000+ from buyers—one North Dakota traveler even went to the address and found the homeowners were victims of identity theft. Park Updates: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park welcomed donated trees (American elm and poplar) planted by local Scouts, while Williams County announced the Epping/Springbrook Dam recreation area will close for major upgrades through the rest of 2026. Outdoor & Events: Valley City’s “Music in the Park” kicks off June 3, and Mayville hosts a Vietnam Veterans of America State Meeting & Picnic July 18 at Island Park. Travel Safety: North Dakota health officials are urging measles preparedness, and a reminder for summer outdoor fun includes bear-safety basics for hikers and campers. Roadside Tragedies: A 49-year-old man died in a Dunseith single-vehicle crash after failing to negotiate a curve. Tourism & Lodging Growth: Casselton’s Johnny’s Landing is moving forward on a historic farmstead turned lodging/wellness destination after landing an $870,000 matching grant.

Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS is rolling out a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals upgrade clinical equipment and strengthen emergency and specialty care, with awards expected to be about $2 million each. Outdoor Events: Valley City’s “Music in the Park” kicks off its 30th year on June 3 at 7:15 p.m., and early voting starts Monday, June 1, in Stutsman County. Park Updates: Williams County has closed the Epping/Springbrook Dam recreation area for major upgrades through the rest of 2026, including changes to the entrance and campground road improvements. Travel & Lodging Spotlight: A Casselton couple is turning a historic farmstead into “Johnny’s Landing,” a new lodging and wellness/agritourism destination backed by an $870,000 matching grant. Safety on the Road: A semi hauling 600–800 bee hives rolled near I-94 by Valley City after an improper lane change, releasing an estimated two million bees and prompting a long interstate closure. Trail Time: A local outdoors feature highlights the North Country National Scenic Trail as a long, multi-state hiking and camping treasure starting in North Dakota.

Rural Health Funding: North Dakota HHS is rolling out a $40 million grant opportunity to help rural hospitals upgrade clinical equipment and expand emergency and specialty care, with awards expected to be about $2 million each. Outdoor & Travel Planning: Williams County says the Epping/Springbrook Dam recreation area is closed to visitors and campers for the rest of 2026 while crews modernize the park, including a safer, more accessible entrance and improvements to campground roads. Road Trip Disruptions: I-94 near Valley City saw a major semi crash involving a teen’s improper lane change; the truck carrying 600–800 bee hives released an estimated two million bees, and the interstate was shut down for about eight hours. Local Lodging/Attractions: Casselton’s Johnny’s Landing is moving forward after landing an $870,000 matching grant to turn a historic farmstead into a lodging and Nordic sauna destination. Community Events: Mayville hosts the Vietnam Veterans of America North Dakota State Meeting & Community Picnic on July 18 at Island Park Picnic Shelter, with lodging options nearby and RSVP requested by July 10. Water Adventures: The North Dakota Water Education Foundation scheduled 2026 Summer Water Tours in Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt and Bismarck, with registration including transport, lunch, materials and a digital magazine subscription.

I-94 Crash & Bee Recovery: A Kenworth semi rollover near Valley City released 2+ million bees after a Silverado made an improper lane change; beekeepers helped contain the swarm and the interstate was closed about 8 hours. Park Closures & Upgrades: Williams County is closing the Epping/Springbrook Dam recreation area for the rest of 2026 as crews rework entrances, pave the main campground road, and add new campsites and an amphitheater. New Lodging From Historic Roots: Casselton’s Johnny’s Landing is set to turn a landmark 10-acre farmstead into a destination stay, landing an $870K matching grant and adding lodging plus a Nordic sauna. Water Tours Across ND: The North Dakota Water Education Foundation scheduled summer tours in Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt, and Bismarck, with transportation, lunch, and materials included. Road Conditions for Travelers: I-29 in Fargo saw all lanes affected by roadway buckling from extreme heat, with NDHP and DOT directing traffic and assessing repairs. Medora Dining Update: L’Amour Bistro opened in Medora where Cowboy Cafe was, aiming to attract visitors as the tourist season ramps up.

Travel & Tourism Watch: Mexico topped North America in 2025 travel growth, with Travel & Tourism GDP up 1.8% and international visitor spending rising 3.5%, while the U.S. and Canada lagged—useful context for travelers planning cross-border trips. Medora Spotlight: A new Medora dining stop is open—L’Amour Bistro took over the former Cowboy Cafe space, aiming to win over visitors as summer ramps up. Local Stories with Visitor Appeal: Valley City’s Music in the Park returns June 3 with a veterans tribute, and Medora book authors are promoting “The Legendary Lady Medora,” tying local history to a fresh fiction release. Road & Safety Notes: I-29 traffic in Fargo is slowed by roadway buckling near the I-94 underpass; drivers should slow down and follow law enforcement. Summer Water Plans: North Dakota Water Education Foundation scheduled 2026 water tours across Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt and Bismarck. Community & Outdoors: A Dickinson-area scooter crash death is a reminder for safer summer riding.

Medora Dining Update: L’Amour Bistro has taken over the former Cowboy Cafe spot, opening April 27 and betting on Medora’s summer tourist rush. Summer Water Planning: The North Dakota Water Education Foundation scheduled 2026 Summer Water Tours in Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt and Bismarck, with transportation, lunch and materials included. Beach Season Guide: A new roundup spotlights North Dakota’s best beaches and lake-and-river swim options as Memorial Day kicks off summer. Family-Friendly Outdoors: The Greater Grand Forks Greenway is being praised as an easy, mostly flat, paved bike-and-walk escape along the Red River and Red Lake River. Road Trip Reality Check: Fargo traffic slowed on I-29 near I-94 as roadway buckled from extreme heat; drivers were urged to slow and follow law enforcement. Local Tourism Jobs: Dickinson State University named Julie Obrigewitsch managing consultant for its Office of Marketing & Communications, bringing years of tourism and digital strategy experience. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported scattered lowest-price deals across counties for the week ending May 16, with Foster County premium hitting $5.01 as averages climbed statewide.

Summer Water Tours: The North Dakota Water Education Foundation is scheduling 2026 summer water tours in Carrington, Watford City, Dickinson, Belcourt and Bismarck, with registration including transportation, lunch, materials and a digital magazine subscription. Outdoor Mental Health: Fargo’s “All American Trail North” ride on the Red River marked mental health awareness and celebrated the trail’s expansion, with the route open for biking, hiking and walking. Road Conditions: North Dakota Highway Patrol reported I-29 traffic slowed in Fargo near the I-94 underpass after roadway buckling from extreme heat, affecting all four lanes. Gas Watch: GasBuddy price reports show mixed fuel costs across the state for the week ending May 16, including Foster County premium at $5.01 and Kidder County regular at $3.97. Aviation Mental Health: UND aerospace leaders discussed growing mental health support in aviation, tied to a proposed Mental Health in Aviation Act from Sen. John Hoeven. Family-Friendly Faith: In Hope, 93-year-old Evelyn “Effie” Brendemuhl returned to help lead Vacation Bible School at Trinity Lutheran, with a student program set for May 30.