Free Class Field Trips

The Free Class Field Trips give students in South Dakota the opportunity to have positive learning experiences in the outdoors.

Designed with teachers in mind, the program can meet a variety of educational standards and is inexpensive. The only expense in addition to a regular school day is for transportation to and from the park. And, with participating state parks and recreation areas located throughout South Dakota, a day of fun learning is never far away.

Teachers who want to bring their class(es) on a field trip can pick the SD state park and a weekday to conduct the trip. Complete the registration form and mail or fax the form to the SD Division of Parks and Recreation a minimum of two weeks prior to the field trip. A packet will then be sent, including confirmation of the field trip, a map with directions to the park, and a list of suggested items to bring to the park.

For field trips to Custer State Park, please contact that park directly at (605) 255-4515.

Field trips to federal lands including the Badlands, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave and Mount Rushmore are not included in the South Dakota State Parks Free Class Field Trip program. If you wish to plan a field trip to any of these locations, contact the park directly.

The Free Class Field Trips is co-sponsored by the SD Division of Parks and Recreation, the SD Department of Education Character Education Partnership and the SD Department of Health/Department of Education Coordinated School Health Program.

Download the information/registration packet (requires Acrobat Reader) or contact the SD Division of Parks and Recreation by email or call (605) 773-3391 to have a copy sent to you.