CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURE-BASED TOURISM ENTERPRISES IN NORTH DAKOTA -- SUMMARY

Recreational activities related to North Dakota's wealth of natural resources are well-established in North Dakota. In recent years, North Dakota's abundant resources have attracted visitors from around the country and the world. In addition to providing recreational activities for residents and visitors alike, natural resource-based tourism is a basic sector that may have considerable potential for creating economic opportunities in rural areas. Recognition of the potential importance of resource-based tourism to rural economies is well-advanced in other parts of the United States. However, little attention has historically been paid to tourism in North Dakota. While much anecdotal evidence exists suggesting that natural resource-based tourism is growing in North Dakota, no basic research on the sector has to date been completed. The goal of this study is to identify and analyze existing agricultural and natural resource-based tourism enterprises in North Dakota.