My XO Adventures is a tour guide company based in downtown Rapid City. The company has been in business since 2018 and has had extensive experience in travel since 2011. They provide tours of the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. "Tours" are really more like experiences, with in-depth details provided along the way. "We love the Black Hills and Badlands, no matter what time of year," said founder Daniel Milks. "Our focus has been educating our team on the whole story of this land while providing hospitality above and beyond what a visitor might expect. Right now, we are working on building relationships with the Pine Ridge community, with the goal being multifaceted."

My XO Adventures is dedicated to fostering relationships, providing any help if possible, and learning about Lakota Culture, history, and artists. This takes time and authenticity. They will soon be offering a tour that connects visitors to local businesses, historical sites, and directly to artists. In addition, My XO Adventures will offer local tours connecting Pine Ridge to the greater Rapid City region.

As the owner, Milks believes in providing employees with a living wage, benefits, and incentives. "That's a core philosophical belief for me," he explained. "If your team is happy, your customers are happy, which makes me happy." Being a tour guide is much more than a job. It's an adventure. Guides have a responsibility as ambassadors to excel in representing the State of South Dakota and all of its residents. "It's been a joy to work in the Black Hills and Badlands, and we thank all those who have been involved in helping to create unique experiences. In particular, I'd like to thank those in Pine Ridge for opening doors and giving us a chance to earn their trust. It's an honor, plain and simple." 

My XO Adventures has received the "Great Places" and Hospitality Award for 2021 and 2022 from the South Dakota Department of Tourism. 

"I'd like to recognize Celia Shanahan of Custer for winning our Trashiest Guide Award," Milks added. "Each vehicle has biodegradable garbage bags, and last year we held a contest during and after the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The guide who collected the most trash was Celia, and she was honored with a monetary award for her dedication."