·        Free Entrance, Free Fishing Mark S.D. State Parks’ Open House Weekend

·        Palisades State Park Opens Lodge, Hosts Activities

 

Free Entrance, Free Fishing Mark S.D. State Parks’ Open House Weekend

PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Game, Fish and Parks is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy South Dakota state parks and recreation areas with the Parks' Open House Weekend and Free Fishing Weekend Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18.

 

During the annual three-day event, entrance fees are waived for all visitors to South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas. Camping fees still apply. In addition, parks with staffed entrance booths will be handing out free foot bags and sunscreen samples, while supplies last. The items are provided by the Department of Health to help encourage physical activity and reinforce the importance of wearing sunscreen while outdoors.

 

“This is the perfect opportunity to visit a state park you’ve never seen before, or camp at your favorite park,” said Doug Hofer, director of the division of parks and recreation. “It is our way of thanking everyone for their support of South Dakota’s state parks and inviting them out for another fun-filled camping season.”

 

Parks will be hosting a variety of Open House Weekend special events across the state. Several events will be held on Saturday and include the following:

·  28th Annual Trail Tour 5K Run/Walk, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, 9 a.m.

·  Walk in the Park Talking in the Trees, Richmond Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen, 10 a.m.

·  Annual Kids’ Fishing Tournament, Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge, 3 p.m.

·  Disc Golf Tournament of Amateurs, Hartford Beach State Park near Milbank, 3 p.m.

 

In addition to the events held on Saturday, Palisades State Park will be hosting a Fabulous Fishing Frenzy at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

 

Custer State Park near Custer will also be hosting a number of family activities both Saturday and Sunday, including cookouts, nature hikes, free hayrack rides, a fishing derby, nature programs and demonstrations. On Sunday at 3 p.m., visitors can take part in the park’s infamous Buffalo Chip Flip contest. Open House Weekend also marks the start of the seasonal Volksmarch at Custer State Park. A full schedule of events can be found on the state park’s website.

 

The weekend also marks the first weekend that campsites can be reserved in South Dakota state parks this year, and officials say many campsites are currently available. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267) or online at www.CampSD.com.

 

South Dakota state parks offer a wide variety of outdoor fun, including camping, picnicking and boating. Many parks also offer trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

 

For information on fishing, fishing license and fishing regulations visit the GFP website at www.sdgfp.info. For more information on the South Dakota state park system, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

 

--GFP—

 

Palisades State Park Opens Lodge, Hosts Activities

 

An open house at Palisades State Park’s new group lodge coincides with South Dakota’s statewide Open House Weekend.  The annual state park Open House Weekend, May 16-18, waives the park entrance fees and fishing license requirements for all state park guests. Camping fees still apply.

 

The lodge open house at Palisades begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Tours of the lodge will be available from 2-5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

 

The new group lodge has 4 bedrooms that can sleep up to 12 people, and two bathrooms with showers. It also has a full kitchen, dining area and relaxation room. The 900 square foot back deck overlooks Split Rock Creek and the park’s unique Sioux quartzite rock formations. There is no bedding provided at the lodge. Reservations are now being taken by calling our reservation number 1-800-710-2267 or by going online to www.campsd.com. The cost of renting the lodge is $200 per night.

 

Other weekend activities at Palisades State Park include a “Plein Aire Paint Out,” where area artists are invited come to the park to paint, draw or sketch the many scenic landscapes the park has to offer. “We hope to have these artists exhibit their pieces at the new lodge,” said park manager Marty DeWitt. “I think it would be a nice addition to the open house tours.”

 

On Sunday, Palisades hosts a Fabulous Fishing Frenzy. Fishing instruction will be available for anyone interested, with poles and tackle provided by the park.

 

Also making a debut for the big weekend are a few updates to the park. Electric pedestals have been upgraded to 50 amp service, six former tent sites were converted to electric pads, the park gained a sixth camping cabin, and water service throughout the park is now hooked up to Rural Water. And in the near future, a popular day-use area will be home to a new drinking fountain.

 

Palisades State Park is located just south of Garretson off Highway 11. For more information on Palisades developments and summer activities, contact the park at 605-594-3824. For more information on the South Dakota state park system, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

 

— GFP —