After over 20 years with the same logo and branding, Visit Watertown decided it was time to try something new.
“After many years of the same look, the Watertown Convention & Visitors Bureau decided it was time to use appropriate messaging to promote our organization and Watertown as a destination,” said Anjelica Uthe, the executive director.
The former branding clung tightly to the slogan of “South Dakota’s Rising Star.” Moving away from that, the new logo depicts a sun rising or setting over water in a simplistic art style.
Brand Refresh
“The primary goals of the rebrand were to define our brand and logo and to embrace and define the city of Watertown to inspire visitors with what our community has to offer – such as art, culture, food, drink, and the outdoors,” said Uthe.
Uthe says that working with Simpleview, a company dedicated to assisting destination marketing companies, Visit Watertown developed a logo and branding that would last the test of time.
“We felt that we needed a more distinguished logo for Watertown to reflect our goals and objectives of the organization,” said Uthe. “We felt it was time.”
The website also received a refresh through Sioux Falls agency Lawrence & Schiller to better complement the new branding.
The organization aims to highlight what makes Watertown a destination.
“Visit Watertown markets, promotes, and attracts visitors to Watertown. We promote people traveling for leisure, business, and sporting events,” said Uthe.
“COME SPEND A WEEKEND IN WATERTOWN TO CHECK OUT THE SHOPS, THE ART, AND ALL THE GREAT LOCAL FOOD.” -ANJELICA UTHE
Watertown…
…is the fifth largest city in South Dakota.
…is home to one of the top technical colleges in the U.S.
…has direct flights to Denver and Chicago daily.
…was awarded the 2020 Strongest Town title in the U.S.
Destination: Watertown
Around town, Uthe says there are plenty of businesses, restaurants, and attractions for people to experience.
“Anyone can enjoy them,” she said. “They’re accessible to anybody.”
These are some of Uthe’s restaurant recommendations: Watertown Brewing Company, Dagwood’s Subs and More, Oh Baby O’s, and Dempsey’s Brewery Restaurant & Pub.
“Right downtown if you’re looking to grab a cup of coffee, Gather is down here,” said Uthe.
43rd Annual Vintiques Show & Shine Car Show
September 11
12 p.m. // Show & Shine // Downtown
6 p.m. // Poker Run // Lake Kampeska
Another spot for a dose of caffeine is Backroads Coffeehouse & Lunchboxx.
In fall of 2020, The Goss Opera House was reopened to the community after plenty of time spent on renovations. The venue serves as a place for weddings and events and hosts different types of entertainment, like concerts and comedy shows.
“They’ve been hosting a wide variety of entertainment downtown,” said Uthe. “They’ve brought a lot to downtown.”
Other attractions include Bramble Park Zoo, Derby Downs, Joy Ranch, and more. Throughout the year, Uthe says the town hosts many events.
“The Vintiques Show & Shine is the second weekend in September,” said Uthe. “It attracts a big group of cars and has been going on for years.”
In the future, Uthe hopes to see continued growth and development for Watertown, whether that’s apartments, businesses downtown, or more accessibility on Lake Kampeska.
“you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok.” -Anjelica Uthe
“Some of the houses I’ve heard are going to be Airbnbs and eventually there will be a restaurant to make the lake more accessible to those that don’t live on it,” said Uthe.
During the warmer months of the year, Uthe says Lake Kampeska is a great place for visitors to experience life on the water and to participate in watersports like kneeboarding and water skiing.
For more information, visit VISITWATERTOWNSD.COM.
