Jamestown mayor unites tourism partners to advance vision for Buffalo City

By Staff reports Today at 1:22 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article Community contributions Community contributions Unpaid content from readers. Lightly edited. The Trust Project What is this? JAMESTOWN — Mayor Katie Hemmer is bringing together Jamestown’s tourism organizations, development partners and community stakeholders to advance a new vision for the area surrounding the World’s Largest Buffalo monument. Working with Jamestown Tourism, Bison World and the North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance (NDNTA), Hemmer said in a news release that she is coordinating a tourism coalition focused on creating a more connected visitor destination, implementing practical improvements and expanding educational and entertainment opportunities that celebrate the history, culture and significance of the American bison, the national mammal. ADVERTISEMENT Contributed / Christine Fieber Photography “It's time to reignite our identity as the Buffalo City,” Hemmer said. “The World’s Largest Buffalo, Dakota Thunder, serves as our beacon, drawing visitors into Jamestown’s tourism hub and shining a light on the spokes that connect them to the many events, attractions, businesses and experiences available throughout our community and region. “This new hub-and-spoke vision may look like a wheel, but that doesn't mean we have to reinvent it,” she said. “We need to recognize the work that has already been done, bring the right people together and launch those plans into motion. We have the location, the history, the partnerships and the opportunity. Now it's time to make it happen.” Hemmer said her vision incorporates elements of Jamestown's existing tourism offerings, from the ice cream at the General Store at Frontier Village and educational experiences at the North American Bison Discovery Center to the family fun ahead at the new Bison Bend Mini Golf attraction, a miniature golf course at Frontier Village. It also creates opportunities to expand the visitor experience through additional education, cultural programming and entertainment for all ages. Hemmer said Bison World has negotiated a lease for more than 105 acres of state-owned land adjacent to the Dakota Thunder monument, creating an opportunity to expand the current tourism footprint from approximately 10 acres to well over 100 acres. The additional acreage could accommodate the Bison World safari experience, a Native Tourism Alliance culture and education center, an immersive children's play area, expanded food and retail offerings and other experiences unique to Jamestown. Les Thomas, president of the NDNTA and tourism consultant to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, praised Hemmer for reaching out to the organization shortly after her election. “She wanted to meet and discuss her vision for growing Jamestown and growing tourism,” Thomas said. “Her sincerity and leadership is what will make this joint effort possible. It could never have happened without her.” Hemmer said the opportunity extends beyond developing individual attractions. She said a stronger tourism hub can benefit local businesses, support regional attractions, create opportunities for private investment and strengthen Jamestown's identity as the "Buffalo City." ADVERTISEMENT The new amenities being pursued by Bison World and the NDNTA are intended to leverage grant funding, private donations and partnerships to support their development and construction, Hemmer said. She said these efforts are designed to expand Jamestown's tourism offerings while maintaining free admission to the overall destination, keeping the experience accessible to residents and visitors alike. MORE ON JAMESTOWN Pingree-Buchanan Boosters sets turkey bingo fundraiser 3h ago Calendar for Nov. 9-10, 2026 7h ago Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign launches Nov. 14 in Jamestown 21h ago Voters in 2 North Dakota counties reject property tax increases 23h ago Comments Share Share this article Community contributions Community contributions Unpaid content from readers. Lightly edited. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags JAMESTOWN STUTSMAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TRAFFIC AND CONSTRUCTION TOURISM By Staff reports Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of "staff." Often, the "staff" byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Local Court proceedings and marriage licenses for Nov. 7, 2026 2d ago Local New month of colors 2d ago Local Voter turnout in Stutsman County lower than 2022 general election 2d ago · By Masaki Ova ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Breaking News North Dakota 'Definitive agreement' signed, pushing forward Altru's plan to acquire Bismarck hospital and 2 others 5d ago · By Korrie Wenzel National Burgum, with millions invested in AI industry, leads charge allowing data centers on public lands 3d ago · By Mark Olalde / ProPublica Subscribers Only Prep Braden Hemminger finishes the year as the Jays top ground-gainer 2d ago · By Katie Ringer North Dakota Parents sue Enderlin School District over 2022 bus crash 6d ago · By Matt Henson