GRAND FORKS — Jessica Ackerman with Citizens Alley in Minot and Doug Bolken, director of McKenzie County Tourism, are among winners of 2026 Governor’s Travel and Tourism awards, the North Dakota Department of Commerce announced.

Ackerman received the Flint Firestarter Award for a Tourism Development Project. Through creative leadership and thoughtful design, Ackerman helped transform Citizens Alley into one of Minot’s most engaging gathering spaces. The once underused alley is now a lively destination for recreation, concerts, art and community events in all seasons. The space has increased downtown foot traffic, supported nearby businesses and encouraged additional investment, according to Commerce information.

Bolken received the Legend Award for Travel & Tourism Industry Leadership. For nearly 15 years, Bolken has played a central role in shaping McKenzie County as a leading destination in western North Dakota. His leadership has strengthened regional collaboration, expanded outdoor recreation and sports tourism opportunities and increased visibility among domestic and international travel groups. Bolken’s long-term commitment to partnership building and strategic development has advanced McKenzie County’s tourism economy and created lasting benefits for the region and the state, according to Commerce information.

Other awards went to:

– Heritage Award for a Front-line Tourism Employee, Madi Lee, ticketing and reservations manager at Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, Medora.

– Sakakawea Award for a Behind-the-Scenes Tourism Employee, Allison Limke, Jamestown Frontier Attractions and Frontier Village, Jamestown.

– Amplifier Award for Marketing Excellence, Visit Fargo Moorhead Sports Awareness Campaign, Fargo.

– Trailblazer Award for Tourism Innovation, Funatix Events, Bismarck.