Other national parks in the area are seeing that same trend.  The State Department of Tourism says more than a half million people have visited the state's national parks so far this year a 25 percent increase through May.  And it's a trend that has people in the industry very encouraged.  Michelle Lintz says, "It's been a good season. We've seen some great numbers, up 6-10 percent already, most of the hotel and attractions we talk to."  Nort Johnson says, "We're tracking our inquiries from earlier this year, that we're way up and the traffic is following. So the marketing that we've done early is definitely paying off."  For more on the tourism industry join us for Focus this Sunday night at 9:30 right here on Black Hills FOX.

Jack Caudill