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National Trust Honors Hot Springs, S.D.

Names City a 'Destination of Distinction'

WASHINGTON, D.C. (1/13/09) -- The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Hot Springs, S.D., one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination.

From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

“I am pleased and honored that the National Trust has seen what Hot Springs has and has awarded us with this designation,” said Hot Springs Mayor Don DeVries. “Some of the local people take it for granted, but we want people all across the nation to come and visit and enjoy all that we have here.”

George Kotti, Executive Director of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce said, “This is an award the entire community can be proud of.  It highlights the hard work that has gone in to building and maintaining the buildings and attractions that make Hot Springs so special.”  He also commented on the importance of this award in marketing Hot Springs as a tourist destination. Kotti noted, “Such national recognition identifies us as a great vacation destination.  There are millions of heritage travelers that look forward to experiencing special destinations like Hot Springs and that is vitally important for all of us in the Black Hills region.  Hopefully, we will see many of those travelers in the Black Hills this summer.”

Hot Springs, less than an hour from Mt. Rushmore, is famous for its healing waters, impressive collection of pink sandstone buildings, scenic beauty and excess of natural and cultural resources. For more than a century, Hot Springs has welcomed visitors who have come to enjoy the warm-water swimming pool of Evans Plunge. The plunge and its therapeutic healing water is a cornerstone of the history of Hot Springs, and it is the oldest tourist attraction in the region. At the flow rate of nearly 5,000 gallons per minute, Evans Plunge never contains the same water, changing entirely every hour and a half. Today, the plunge has been updated to include an indoor water park, fitness center, hot tubs and steam rooms.

“A stunning oasis of soothing natural springs, Hot Springs is a national treasure,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust of Historic Preservation. “It is a place that invites you to venture into the past, discover unexpected cultural treasures and breathe in the majesty of the American landscape.”

Hot Springs is the perfect gateway to the magnificent beauty of the southern Black Hills. Just south of town is the Wild Horse Sanctuary, where more than 500 wild mustangs run free across 11,000 acres. This area is also renowned for Native American ceremonial sites, petroglyphs and spectacular scenery. Ten miles outside of Hot Springs is the Angostura Reservoir and Recreation area. Showcasing the splendor of the southern Black Hills, the lake has room for boating, fishing and swimming, as well as 36 miles of shoreline and some of the finest sandy beaches in South Dakota. The site is also ideal for leisurely hikes and bike rides.

“This distinction is an incredible honor, not only for Hot Springs, but for the entire state of South Dakota,” said Richard Benda, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism and State Development. “The people of Hot Springs have worked hard to preserve their rich history and heritage and this is a fitting tribute to their hard work."

Archeology fans will find something to love in the area. Hot Springs is home to the world-famous Mammoth Site, an active paleontology research site that includes the remains of 58 Ice Age mammoths and 27 other prehistoric species, most an estimated 26,000 years old. One of the nation’s oldest national parks, Wind Cave National Park, is just minutes north of town. It has 119 miles of known passageways loaded with a maze of unusual formations and is home to abundant wildlife such as bison, elk, deer, antelope, prairie dogs and coyotes.

Hot Springs is the cultural capital of the Black Hills, offering an array of diverse shops, world-class art galleries, annual arts festivals, restaurants and hotel accommodations. More than 35 sandstone structures are located in the downtown area. From the paved Freedom Trail, which winds under a waterfall and along the banks of the Fall River in the heart of town, visitors can see the century-old buildings, including the four-story schoolhouse built in 1893, now home to the Fall River County Pioneer Museum, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which houses the Battle Mountain Museum.

“We’re very thrilled that Hot Springs has been given this distinction,” said Melissa Bump, director of the South Dakota Office of Tourism. “Hot Springs is one of the Black Hills’ great historic and cultural destinations, and certainly deserves the honor they have been given.”

The public is invited to share stories about their favorite Distinctive Destinations at www.PreservationNation.org/ddd

To download high resolution images of this year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations winners, visit http://press.nationaltrust.org/

Other 2009 Destinations of Distinction are:

Athens, Ga.— Athens, called the “classic city” because of its name and neo-classical architecture, is known for its distinct blend of traditional heritage and trend-setting southern culture, a mix of historic attractions, a dynamic downtown and a lively music scene. It is also home to the University of Georgia and a growing artistic community.

Bristol, R.I.— A quintessential New England waterfront town steeped in a rich history that spans three centuries.   This coastal community, conveniently located only one hour south of Boston, seamlessly blends outdoor beauty with cultural pleasures.  Bristol is studded with parks featuring recreational opportunities and stunning vistas, along with a treasure trove of stately historic homes, museums, one-of-a-kind boutiques and seafood eateries.  Together, they create a storybook experience that serves as an ideal retreat.

Buffalo, N.Y.— Buffalo is a gold mine of late 19th/early 20th century urban design.  This lakeside city harbors an unexpected discovery around every corner – and 500 walking tours – offering a staggering range of cultural resources as well as some of the country’s most captivating architecture.  Nestled between the pristine network of city parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted are National Historic Landmarks by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and H.H. Richardson.

Fort Worth, Tex.— The “City of Cowboys and Culture,” once a frontier town home to the brave and the brawling now features a world-renowned cultural arts district and well-preserved Western heritage.  One focal point, the Fort Worth Stockyards is home to the Fort Worth Herd, the world’s only daily cattle drive – Texas Longhorns are paraded daily right in the heart of the Stockyards. This unmistakable mix of historic resources and 21st-century city living appeals to both young and old, distinguishing it as one of the great southwestern urban centers.

Franklin, Tenn.— Surrounded by rolling green hills and scenic landscapes, Franklin offers a rare blend of small-town southern hospitality and big-city amenities – a vibrant community and ideal destination for the whole family.  The town, often described as “100 years” and a few miles south of Nashville, is packed with history including Civil War battlefields, historic house museums and a host of antebellum mansions.

Hot Springs, S.D.— Hot Springs, less than an hour from Mt. Rushmore, is famous for its healing waters, impressive collection of pink sandstone buildings, scenic beauty and excess of natural and cultural resources.  It is the perfect gateway to the magnificent beauty of the southern Black Hills which includes the Wild Horse Sanctuary, Native American ceremonial sites, petroglyphs and spectacular scenery. Hot Springs is also home to the world-famous Mammoth Site with the remains of 58 Ice Age mammoths and 27 other prehistoric species, most an estimated 26,000 years old.

Lake Geneva, Wis.— Easily accessible from Milwaukee and Chicago, Lake Geneva is commonly referred to as the “Newport of the West” for its pristine natural beauty and beautiful lakefront estates.  Highlighting the historic atmosphere is the well-preserved mix of homes that display a historical spectrum of American residential architecture including Gothic Revival cottages, large picturesque Queen Ann style mansions, formal colonial Revival style houses and progressive Craftsman style homes.  One favorite pastime for visitors is meandering along the perimeter of the 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path, offering pedestrians intimate views of the area’s most famous mansions and restored estates.

Lititz, Pa.— Only 60 miles west of Philadelphia, this antidote to high-powered city living possesses a picturesque charm rooted in its Moravian heritage that dates to the mid-18th century. Against a backdrop dotted with old stone mills, log homes and wooden covered bridges, and echoing with the clip clop of horses’ hooves, Lititz offers a variety of attractions within easy walking distance of its appealing downtown district.

Santa Barbara, Calif.— Called “the American Riviera,” this premier resort destination’s idyllic, year-round climate and breadth of attractions delivers on its reputation. The sun-drenched, coastal paradise features white-washed buildings with red tile roofs, acres of lush landscaping and laid-back beaches, plus iconic historic landmarks, cultural venues, culinary delights and world-class accommodations of the caliber usually reserved for a major metropolis.

Santa Fe, N.M.— One of the best-preserved cities in the United States, Santa Fe is an ancient city with a distinctive architecture borne out of its remote location and use of local materials.   Perched high in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, it is unparalleled in its richness of history, arts and culture.  Signature adobe architecture and old world charm combine with culinary sophistication and a creative flair to make the city one of the country’s most fascinating destinations.

Saugatuck-Douglas, Mich.— These neighboring harbor towns, nestled near the shore of Lake Michigan, are defined by steep, rolling dunes to the west and lush orchard country to the east.   Today, 19th century architecture forms the basis for the area’s old world charm, but the lakeshore community’s scenic beauty and singular collection of art galleries, shops and restaurants make it a perfect getaway for a day, a weekend or even a season.

Virginia City, Nev.— The historic mining boomtown of Virginia City provides unique insights into the spirit of the Old West.   The town—steeped in silver and gold rush lore—is packed with the history of pioneers turned into millionaires.  Mansions, saloons, museums and old mines provide a glimpse into the storied past of American frontier life, capturing the allure that once fueled western expansion.

2009 marks the 10th anniversary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 120 Distinctive Destinations located in 43 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns across the country that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, 9 regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories. For more information visit www.PreservationNation.org.

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