South Dakota GFP News For 7-30-09

 

 

Riders can still register for 12th annual Mickelson Trail Trek
LEAD, S.D. - Openings still exist for riders to take part in the 12th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek, say park officials. The deadline for early registration has passed, but don’t let that stop you.

"There is still time to get in on this one-of-a-kind event," said Dana Garry, park manager of the Mickelson Trail. "With the ride increasing in popularity every year, we did have to make a limit of 600 riders, so we have enough volunteers and accommodations to make the ride a wonderful experience. However, we do still have space available, and we will continue to take registrations until September 1, 2009, or until we reach 600 participants for the ride."

Registration can be completed online by visiting www.MickelsonTrail.com and following the "Trail Trek" link. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Garry encourages riders to sign up as soon as possible. "The Trek has more than doubled in size in the last few years," she said. "We're prepared for another record group this year, so it is important to get your spot as soon as you can - they'll run out fast. As of today, there are about 70 openings left for the ride."

Last year, 514 people rode in the Trek, including riders from 27 states and Canada.

Riders on the Trail Trek will cover 109 miles of the trail over three days, from Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 20. The registration fee includes the trail pass, shuttle service, refreshments and some meals during each day's ride. Riders are responsible for accommodations and mechanical support. The ride is open to all bicyclists 14 years of age or older.

The Trail Trek highlights the George S. Mickelson Trail as it winds through the heart of the Black Hills from Edgemont to Lead/Deadwood. The ride began as a celebration of the completion of the rails-to-trails project. It continues today to introduce new bicyclists to the trail and thank supporters for their long-standing enthusiasm for the Black Hills trail.

For more information on the Mickelson Trail or the Trail Trek, visit www.MickelsonTrail.com or contact the Black Hills Trail office at (605) 584-3896.

- GFP -

Adams Homestead Set for Annual Festival

PIERRE, S.D. – A fun-filled day of free activities and entertainment is planned for this year’s Adam Homestead Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 8. This free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors are invited to spend the entire day at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. There will be programs, presentations, music and crafts for the entire family to enjoy. Visitors can learn about the history of the area, take in South Dakota’s heritage and explore the outdoors. 


Many new and exciting activities are scheduled for this year’s event including a threshing machine demo, corn shelling, candle making, tin punching, rope making, homestead tours, musicians, watermelon seed spitting contest, buffalo chip throwing contest, face painting, rope making, Dutch oven cooking demo, shape note singing, homemade pie contest and more!

Visitors are encouraged to wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Bikes and strollers are welcome. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. 

The Adam’s Homestead Celebration is held annually in August to commemorate the official opening as Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve as a state park on August 14, 1997.

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve is located two miles southwest of McCook Lake, Exit 4 off I-29. Visitors can follow the brown nature area signs from the interstate. For additional information on the festival, contact the park office at (605) 232-0873. For additional information on South Dakota State Parks, visit www.sdpark.info or call (605) 773-3391.

 -GFP-

State Recreation Areas offer summer nature camps for kids

PIERRE, S.D. – Angostura and Rocky Point Recreation Areas are hosting nature day camps for kids ages 7-12 on Aug. 12 and 13, respectively. The camps are great opportunities for kids to explore the surrounding recreation areas and focus on the outdoors. The camps run from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs will host the camp on Aug. 12. The theme of the day camp is “Stories in the Stars.” This program teaches kids ancient myths about some popular star clusters. Kids will have a chance to learn about the sky, and use their imaginations to create their own constellations.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling Angostura Recreation Area at (605) 745-6996 or by email at Angostura@state.sd.us. Angostura Recreation Area is located 10 miles southeast of Hot Springs off US 18/385.

The theme of the Aug. 13 day camp at Rocky Point Recreation Area near Belle Fourche is “Wildlife of the Northern Hills.” Participants will learn about the different types of wildlife that live in the northern Black Hills and enjoy hands on learning from Game, Fish, and Parks staff.

Reservations for this camp can be made by calling Rocky Point Recreation Area at (605) 641-0023 or by email at RockyPoint@state.sd.us. Rocky Point Recreation Area is located 8 miles east of Belle Fourche off SD 212.

While the camps are geared for kids ages 7-12, younger children may attend if accompanied by an adult. Kids are reminded to wear clothing appropriate for the weather and shoes comfortable for walking. Sandals are not appropriate. No snacks or refreshments will be provided, but kids are welcome to bring their own. There is no fee for the camp; however a park entrance license is required.

For more information on programming throughout the summer season, visit  www.sdpark.info or call (605)773-3391.

-GFP-

Oakwood Lakes State Park invites visitors to Pedal to the Park

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Oakwood Lakes State Park and Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness are encouraging families to enjoy a fun outdoor activity on Aug. 9.

The Pedal to the Park reunion tour takes off from Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness, 501 Main Avenue in Brookings at 1:30 p.m. and ends 20 miles down the road at Oakwood Lakes State Park.

“The original ‘Pedal to the Park’ events held in the 80’s were a race format,“ said Lee Kratochvil, Regional Park Supervisor. “They began at Sioux River Cyclery at its original location near the SDSU Campus and ended at Oakwood. The event has been recreated and is now meant to be a tour and not a race event.”

A five dollar donation to South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation is asked from anyone 16 and older. The ride is free for kids; however, they must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. Refreshments will be served at the new picnic shelter at Oakwood upon arrival.

Bike helmets are required for everyone participating in the ride. To reserve a helmet for the day, cyclists can call Sioux River Bicycles at (605) 692-5022 prior to the race.

For more information, call Oakwood Lakes State Park at (605) 627-5441. Oakwood Lakes State Park is located 10 miles northwest of Volga off US 14.

-GFP- 

Oahe Downstream Hosts Disc Golf Tournament

PIERRE, S.D. – Test your disc golf skills at the 7th Annual Steady Eddie Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 8th. Participants of all ages are invited to soak up the sun and join other “frolfers” for this fun event.

“This tournament is a wonderful opportunity to get outside and take part in an activity that is becoming so popular nationwide,” said Travis Theilen, park manager at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. “For those experienced ‘frolfers’ the event is a friendly competition to test your skills against others in the area.” The course at Oahe Downstream, “Powerhouse Alley,” is an 18-basket course.

Tournament registration begins at 9 a.m. with a players’ meeting at the Oahe Downstream course followed by a shotgun tee-off at 10 a.m. The entry fee varies by the division entered, and each participant will receive a player’s packet. Other events taking place include distance and putting competitions. 

For more information on the disc golf tournament, or to pre-register, contact Art Smith at (605) 945-0606 or meckstrom@pie.midco.net or Jay Blount at (605) 280-8898.

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area is located five miles north of Fort Pierre on Highway 1806, on the south side of Oahe Dam. For more information on Oahe Downstream, contact the park office at (605) 223-7722. For more information on South Dakota State Parks, visit www.sdpark.info or call (605) 773-3391.

-GFP-

State Parks Plan for Fun-Filled Weekend

PIERRE, S.D. – No time to get away? Take a mini vacation at a South Dakota State Park. Several special events that offer activities for the entire family will take place across the state on Aug. 8.

All activities are free except for the Steady Eddie Disc Golf Tournament, which requires an entry fee. A park entrance license is required to enter all parks, except Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. Participants are encouraged to wear suitable shoes, dress for the weather and apply insect repellant.

The Walk in the Park programs are part of a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Park staff and volunteers lead the programs.

For more information on any of the above activities call the individual park office. For more information on the Walk in the Park program or South Dakota State Parks, please visit www.sdpark.info or call (605) 773-3391.

- GFP