Visit Beloit Debuts First-Ever Destination Visitor Guide in Ho-Chunk Language
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 7, 2026
BELOIT, Wis. – Visit Beloit, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the greater Beloit region, announces the debut of its 2026 Visitor Guide, fully translated into the Ho-Chunk language. With tribal ties in Beloit, this initiative plays an important role in recognizing and honoring the area’s Indigenous heritage.
The state line area is located where the Ho-Chunk people had one of their largest villages established at in the 1820s. Long before Beloit was established, the Ho-Chunk Nation lived along the region’s waterways and landscapes, developing deep cultural and historical connections that remain strong today.
This translation initiative is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States of a fully translated destination visitor guide in a federally recognized tribal language. The Ho-Chunk language translation of the 2026 Beloit Visitor Guide was completed by Henning Garvin, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, who dedicated approximately two weeks to translating the full publication. In addition to the printed guide, Garvin also recorded an audio version in the Ho-Chunk language, which is now available on Visit Beloit’s website.
“As Beloit was home to one of the original villages of the Ho-Chunk people, the creation of this piece is our small way of welcoming back and embracing the Nation and its people to our destination. This project not only expands our destination’s accessibility but also brings greater visibility and appreciation to the rich cultural heritage of the Ho-Chunk people in our region,” said Celestino Ruffini, CEO of Visit Beloit.
The launch of the Ho-Chunk language Visitor Guide comes at a time of significant growth and investment in Beloit. One of the most transformative projects underway is Ho-Chunk Gaming – Beloit, a major casino, hotel, and convention center development led by the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Once complete, Ho-Chunk Gaming – Beloit will feature more than 1,500 slot machines, 44 table games, a sportsbook, and a casino bar, making it the second-largest casino in Wisconsin. The opening of the casino is slated for September 2026. The resort development, expected to open in summer 2027, will include an 18-story hotel with 312 guest rooms, four on-site restaurants, and a flexible convention center designed to host events of all kinds.
With deep ancestral ties to the Beloit area, the Ho-Chunk Nation continues to play a vital role in shaping the region’s future. The launch of the Ho-Chunk language Visitor Guide reflects a shared commitment to honoring the past while broadening how Beloit’s story is shared with visitors.
The Ho-Chunk language edition of the 2026 Visitor Guide is available in print and online, along with the audio recording at Visit Beloit’s website. A Spanish-language version is also available, and all editions can be found at www.visitbeloit.com/visitor-guides.
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About Visit Beloit
Visit Beloit, established in 1987, is greater Beloit’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). An accredited DMO through Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), Visit Beloit’s mission is to be greater Beloit’s tourism champion, using our expertise to generate positive economic impact and to create a vibrant community for residents and visitors. For information, visit www.visitbeloit.com.
About Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP)
The globally recognized Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) serves as a visible industry distinction that defines quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management. With nearly 200 accredited organizations worldwide, DMAP is an internationally recognized program that is essential to the success of destinations. See the full list of accredited organizations, including Visit Beloit, at www.destinationsinternational.org.
