• State Parks See Busy Weekend, Continue Fall Activities
• September Events at State Parks

State Parks See Busy Weekend, Continue Fall Activities

PIERRE, S.D – Nice weather and plenty of campers, made summer’s final three-day weekend busy at South Dakota’s state parks and recreation areas throughout the state.

Park managers reported that campgrounds were mostly full and day-use areas were utilized by people enjoying the weather.

"Warm temperatures across the state made it a perfect weekend for people to enjoy the parks," said Elizabeth Ruen, information officer for the Division of Parks and Recreation. "Although Labor Day weekend typically marks the end of summer use, I would like to remind campers and outdoor enthusiast that the state parks are open year-round for camping and outdoor recreation."

Educational programming and activities continue in the parks with weekend Walk in the Parks and Halloween activities topping the list. Visit www.SDparks.info for a full calendar of park events.

After Labor Day weekend, most campgrounds offer first-come, first-served camping. However, reservations can be made for arrival dates through October 8 at the following parks:

• Big Sioux Recreation near Brandon
• Custer State Park near Custer
• Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton
• Newton Hills State Park near Canton
• Palisades State Park near Garretson
• Snake Creek Recreation Area near Platte

To make a reservation at one of the above parks, visit www.CampSD.com or call the reservation center at 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). Camping cabins and lodges may also be reserved year-round through the reservation center.

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September Events at State Parks

PIERRE, S.D – Fall colors and cooler weather make September a great month to enjoy South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. Park visitors are encouraged to enjoy one or all of the events being offered at state parks across South Dakota this month.

• Homesteader Day Harvest Festival, Sunday, Sept 9, 1 p.m. (CT), Beaver Creek Nature Area near Brandon. Take a step back in history and spend the day listening to fiddlers, experiencing pioneer farming and homestead living, watching Civil War soldiers, making pioneer crafts and tasting outdoor cooking. An entrance license is not needed to enter Beaver Creek Nature Area. Info: (605) 594-3824
• Trolley on the Trail, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 1 p.m. (MDT), Mickelson Trail Deadwood Trailhead. The Trolley on the Trail program allows those with physical limitations to experience the northern portion of the trail. Pre-registration required. Info: (605) 578-1401
• Mickelson Trail Trek, Friday, Sept. 14-Sunday, Sept, 16, George S. Mickelson Trail. The Trail Trek highlights the Mickelson Trail as it winds through the heart of the Black Hills from Edgemont to Lead/Deadwood. Pre-registration and fee required for participants. Info: (605) 584-3896
• Tree ID Walk in the Park, Sunday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m. (CT), Lake Thompson Recreation Area near Lake Preston. This walk will take participants on a GPS-guided adventure around the park. Visitors will find specific trees using GPS units and then try to identify them. Some GPS units will be available at the park. Participants are encouraged to bring their own GPS unit if they have them. The walk will start at the swim beach parking lot. Info: (605) 847-4893
• Trolley on the Trail, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. (MDT), Mickelson Trail Hill City Trailhead. The Trolley on the Trail program allows those with physical limitations to experience the northern portion of the trail. Pre-registration required. Info: (605) 574-2368
• Fall Foliage Hike Walk in the Park, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2 p.m. (CT), Sica Hollow State Park near Sisseton. This guided nature walk will take visitors along the along the Trail of the Spirits, a designated National Recreation Trail, and through the Sica Hollow woodland. Along the way, visitors will identify native plants and wildlife, discover American Indian legends and learn about the natural forces that created the hollow, all while immersed in the hollow’s famous fall foliage. Info: (605) 448-5701

In addition to these events, September is a great month for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking and photographing fall colors. All of the state parks are open year-found and most campsites are first-come, first served after Labor Day.

There is no cost to participate in any of these programs except the Mickelson Trail Trek. A park entrance license is required to enter most state parks. These programs are held in addition to regular programming hosted by individual parks.

The Walk in the Park program is part of a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Parks staff and volunteers lead the programs, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Department of Health. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and to dress for the weather.

For more information of any of these upcoming programs, contact the park office. For more information on South Dakota State Parks and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

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