05-09-2009, 03:10 AM
PIERRE, S.D. - To kick off summer, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks is encouraging families to spend the weekend outside during the Parks' Open House Weekend and Free Fishing Weekend May 15-17.
During the annual three-day event, anglers can fish without a license anywhere in the state, and entrance fees are waived for all visitors to South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas. Camping fees still apply. Fishing regulations and limits apply.
"Open House weekend is a perfect opportunity for families to spend some quality time together outside," said Doug Hofer, director of state division of parks and recreation. "In South Dakota, we're blessed with a rich outdoor heritage, and we especially encourage parents and grandparents take advantage of this weekend to share it with the next generation--join us at a park program, go fishing, visit a new park, or just explore the world around you."
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:<br />
"¢ 29th Annual Trail Tour 5K Run/Walk, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, 9 a.m.<br />
"¢ Walk in the Park: The Great Hunt - South Dakota's Other Gold, Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Fort Pierre, 10 a.m.<br />
"¢ Annual Kids' Fishing Tournament, Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge, 3 p.m.<br />
"¢ Family Fishing, Pali
es State Park near Garretson, 1 p.m.<br />
"¢ Walk in the Park: Spring Blossoms in the Coteau Hills, Sica Hollow State Park northwest of Sisseton, 2 p.m.<br />
In addition to the events held on Saturday, Lake Louise Recreation Area near Miller will be hosting a Kids' Fishing Derby starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday.<br />
As the Department of Game, Fish and Parks continues to celebrate its centennial in 2009, Open House Weekend also marks the grand reopening of the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. The Game Lodge is the oldest building in the state park system, and has received several changes over the winter, including a new accessible public entrance, a new gift shop, expanded dining area, and exterior site improvements among other renovations. In honor of the grand reopening, the Custer State Park Resort Company will be providing coffee and lemonade, and hosting an ice cream social and tours of the Game Lodge and Creekside Lodge along with other activities.<br />
Custer State Park 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. A full schedule of events can be found online.<br />
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. New this year, camping reservations can be made up until noon the day you arrive. Make reservations by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267) or online at www.CampSD.com.<br />
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.<br />
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.
During the annual three-day event, anglers can fish without a license anywhere in the state, and entrance fees are waived for all visitors to South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas. Camping fees still apply. Fishing regulations and limits apply.
"Open House weekend is a perfect opportunity for families to spend some quality time together outside," said Doug Hofer, director of state division of parks and recreation. "In South Dakota, we're blessed with a rich outdoor heritage, and we especially encourage parents and grandparents take advantage of this weekend to share it with the next generation--join us at a park program, go fishing, visit a new park, or just explore the world around you."
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:<br />
"¢ 29th Annual Trail Tour 5K Run/Walk, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, 9 a.m.<br />
"¢ Walk in the Park: The Great Hunt - South Dakota's Other Gold, Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Fort Pierre, 10 a.m.<br />
"¢ Annual Kids' Fishing Tournament, Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge, 3 p.m.<br />
"¢ Family Fishing, Pali
es State Park near Garretson, 1 p.m.<br />"¢ Walk in the Park: Spring Blossoms in the Coteau Hills, Sica Hollow State Park northwest of Sisseton, 2 p.m.<br />
In addition to the events held on Saturday, Lake Louise Recreation Area near Miller will be hosting a Kids' Fishing Derby starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday.<br />
As the Department of Game, Fish and Parks continues to celebrate its centennial in 2009, Open House Weekend also marks the grand reopening of the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. The Game Lodge is the oldest building in the state park system, and has received several changes over the winter, including a new accessible public entrance, a new gift shop, expanded dining area, and exterior site improvements among other renovations. In honor of the grand reopening, the Custer State Park Resort Company will be providing coffee and lemonade, and hosting an ice cream social and tours of the Game Lodge and Creekside Lodge along with other activities.<br />
Custer State Park 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. A full schedule of events can be found online.<br />
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. New this year, camping reservations can be made up until noon the day you arrive. Make reservations by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267) or online at www.CampSD.com.<br />
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.<br />
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.