·        Three S.D. State Parks To Host Hikes Halloween Weekend

·        Custer State Park Now Taking Reservations for Halloween Night Hike

·        Bald Eagles Arriving Soon at State Parks Along the Missouri

 

 

Three S.D. State Parks To Host Hikes Halloween Weekend

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Three South Dakota State Parks will provide the backdrops for trick-or-treaters this Halloween season. Hikes at Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, LaFramboise Island Nature Area in Pierre and Custer State Park near Custer will show families that Halloween can be a fun and educational holiday.

 

“The Halloween hikes in the state parks are exciting, heart-healthy activities for families to do together," said Lynn Spomer, program specialist with the Division of Parks and Recreation. "They are also a learning tool. Along with the educational information at some of the stops, participants will be able to experience first-hand the sights and sounds of the parks at night."

 

Make plans to attend one of the following hikes:

Spooktacular “Trick or Treat” Trails, Saturday, Oct. 27 at Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon. Big Sioux’s trails will provide tons of Halloween fun. Participants can follow reflective signs with their flashlights on a scavenger hunt and gather prizes and treats at stops along the trail. Hot chocolate, cider and coffee sponsored by The Neighbors Coffee House will be available at the park’s picnic shelter. Bring a flashlight. The activities run from 5 to 8 p.m. (CT). Info: (605) 582-7243.

Trick or Treat Trails, Sunday, Oct. 28 at LaFramboise Island Nature Area in Pierre. A trick-or-treat trail marked by reflective signs will guide participants through the wooded nature area. Trick-or-treaters can gather prizes, informational material and treats by visiting event sponsors at stops along the trail. Bring a flashlight. The Halloween fun runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m. (CT). Info: (605) 773-2885.

Halloween Night Hike, Oct. 26 and 27 at Custer State Park near Custer. This two-mile interpretive and guided hike takes participants through a series of humorous skits featuring costumed characters. The hike’s theme is The Fallacies of Wildlife: What Visitors Think is not Always True. Five characters will be describing their life history within the Black Hills, as compared to what visitors assume or believe. The guided hikes depart from the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center every 15 minutes from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (MT). Reservations are required. Info/Reservations: (605) 255-4464.

 

There is no cost to participate in any of these hikes, although a Park Entrance License is required at Custer and Big Sioux. Participants are asked to wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

 

The activities are part of the Walk in the Park program, 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.

 

Special events are held at the S.D. state parks year-round. For more information on the state parks or to see a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

 

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Custer State Park Now Taking Reservations for Halloween Night Hike

 

CUSTER, S.D. - Custer State Park is gearing up for its 10th Annual Halloween Night Hike, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27.  This two-mile interpretive and guided hike takes participants through a series of humorous skits featuring costumed characters.  Hikes are offered every 15 minutes, starting at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. on both nights.  Reservations are required.

 

The 2007 theme is focused on The Fallacies of Wildlife: What Visitors Think is not Always True.  Five characters will be describing their life history within the Black Hills, as compared to what visitors assume or believe.  “This year, the characters will be poking fun at some of the visitor comments and questions we hear every summer season,” said Bradley Block, chief of interpretation.  Everyone is excited for the opportunity to share the ‘true’ stories behind our various wildlife species, as well as humor participants with actual questions from past visitors. It should be a fun evening of education and laughter.”

 

The trail begins at the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center and travels to the Game Lodge Campground.  It is a paved bicycle path, offering easy hiking opportunities for strollers and visitors with disabilities. The path is lit only by carved jack-o-lanterns. Outdoor education students from Black Hills State University will be on hand to serve as tour guides and spooks.  Their antics along the trail and in the woods will liven up the groups with holiday spirit. The hike is geared for families with children and exposes them to the sights, sounds and night life of the park.

 

Custer State Park Resort is teaming up with the park by offering hayrack rides from the campground back to the visitor center. Furthermore, a room special at the State Game Lodge is available for interested hike participants. The rate is $79 plus tax for double occupancy on either evening of the event. For more information or to make a lodging reservation, call (888) 875-0001 or visit www.custerresorts.com. 

 

Group sizes are limited to 50 participants and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.  The hike is free; however, a park entrance license is required on all vehicles. The daily entrance fee is $5 per person or $12 per vehicle. The 2008 annual licenses will also be available to purchase for $23. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center at (605) 255-4464 any day between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

 

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Bald Eagles Arriving Soon at State Parks Along the Missouri

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Wintering bald eagles may soon be taking up residence in a few South Dakota state parks along the Missouri River. Many bald eagles typically spend their winters below the Missouri River dams where they are able to catch fish and waterfowl attracted to the open water.

 

Bald eagles need undisturbed roosting areas during the winter. Eagles scared away from their roosting areas and food could deprive them of the much-needed energy they need to maintain their body temperature through the cold night. For this reason, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks officials are closing certain areas in state parks along the Missouri River.

 

Camping and vehicle traffic are prohibited during specific dates in the following areas:

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area campgrounds, near Pierre, from Nov. 1 through March 31, 2008

Randall Creek Recreation Area campgrounds, near Pickstown, from Oct. 1 through April 30, 2008

Chief White Crane Recreation Area, near Yankton, from Nov. 1 through March 31, 2008

 

Walkers and cross-country skiers are allowed on trails in these areas, though they must use caution to not disturb the roosting bald eagles. If disturbed, the eagles may abandon their roosts.

 

For more information on bald eagles in state parks, please visit the state parks’ website at www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391. Information can also be found in the Birding in S.D. State Parks booklet, which is available through the division office or your local park.

 

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