MonDak Motorcycle Loop in the works

Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation is excited to announce the receipt of a $32,0000 grant from the Montana Department of Commerce as part of a new, community-led initiative to encourage long-term tourism and economic development in eastern Montana communities.

Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC), which serves Fallon, Carter, Wibaux, Prairie, and Dawson County assisted Prairie County Economic Development in the grant writing process. EPEDC is committed to providing the support needed for a better economy in eastern Montana.

The grant funding will be utilized for the creation of the MonDak Motorcycle Loop. The idea behind the project is that the MonDak Motorcycle Loop is a print and online marketing tool that features a map and destination attractions along a route that explores eastern Montana, western North Dakota and northwestern South Dakota. It is specifically marketed toward motorcyclists.

Riders can begin at any point along the MonDak Motorcycle Loop and experience a wide variety of landscapes and attractions. The key locations featured on the map include Makoshika State Park in Glendive, Wibaux, Baker and Ekalaka, MT, Deadwood, Spearfish and Buffalo, SD and Bowman and Medora, ND. The trip covers 560 miles total and can be completed in 9.5 hours. While the loop can be completed in one full day without stops, it is designed to be a 2-day trip returning you to your starting point at any location along the loop.

"We have untold potential in eastern Montana to share our spectacular landscapes and unique, authentic experiences with visitors who can’t find what we have to offer anywhere else,” said Beth Epley, executive director of the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation located in Baker. “No one knows our story better than we do, but we need enhanced resources to get the word out about the untapped adventures right here in the eastern half of our state. With the Eastern Montana Tourism Partner Initiative, we can start to build the infrastructure we need to support more tourism, attract more visitors and give them a place to stay – all of which will help grow our local economy in the long-run.”

We believe that the wide-open spaces of eastern Montana are one of our greatest assets and that the combination of scenic motorcycle rides and our current local attractions, we can boost the tourism industry in our communities and provided added diversity to our local economies.

To learn more about Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation go to epedc.com.