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Visit Watertown concluded National Travel & Tourism Week on Thursday, May 7, with a celebration of community, hospitality, and tourism excellence during a ribbon cutting and open house event at its new office location.
The evening featured the presentation of the 2026 Visit Watertown Tourism Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions in hospitality, attractions, retail, dining, events, and customer service.
The event brought together community leaders, tourism partners, businesses, and residents to celebrate not only a new chapter for the organization, but also the people and businesses who help create memorable visitor experiences throughout the community.
“At Visit Watertown, we know tourism is about more than destinations – it’s about experiences,” said Executive Director Anjelica Uthe. “It’s about the people, businesses, and organizations who make visitors feel welcome and create moments that leave a lasting impression. National Travel & Tourism Week gave us an opportunity to celebrate everything our community has to offer while also encouraging residents to rediscover and support the amazing attractions, businesses, and events right here at home.”
This year’s tourism award recipients were:
Top Attraction Award
Joy Ranch of South Dakota: Recognized for creating unforgettable visitor experiences and introducing unique programming that continues to attract a diverse audience to the community.
Top Hotel Award
Hampton Inn & Suites: Honored for exceptional hospitality, guest satisfaction, cleanliness, and service excellence, including multiple Conrad Award recognitions from Hilton.
Top Restaurant Award
Oh Baby O’s: Celebrated for outstanding customer service, welcoming hospitality, and memorable guest experiences that continue to leave a lasting impression on both visitors and residents alike.
Top Retail Award
House of Dreams: Recognized for creating exceptional customer experiences and helping visitors feel welcomed and connected to the community.
Outstanding Event Award
Optimist Club’s Winter Wonderland: Honored for creating a beloved seasonal experience that continues to attract visitors and brighten the holiday season for generations.
Gordon “Gordy” Osthus Outstanding Customer Service Award
Julie Ranum: Recognized for her decades of leadership, passion for hospitality, and dedication to making every visitor feel welcomed through her work at the Redlin Art Center and throughout the community. This year also marks Julie Ranum’s 30th anniversary at the art center, a milestone that reflects her lasting impact on tourism, hospitality, and community pride in Watertown.
