South Dakota State Parks Feature Free Family Activities

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Bridge at Palisades State Park, South Dakota, USA.Image via WikipediaPIERRE, S.D. – Visitors to South Dakota state parks will have the chance to take part in a variety of special family activities on the third weekend in July. The free activities are a great way for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors.
Make plans to attend the following events:
  • Pie Iron Cooking is a Piece of Cake, Chief White Crane Recreation Area near Yankton, July 15, 7 p.m. CDT. Learn the basics of pie iron cooking -- watch the demonstration, enjoy the samples and pick up recipes to try on your own. Info: 605-668-2985
  • Wild Desserts Hike, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton, July 16, 9:30 a.m. CDT. Nature's bounty can provide all sorts of edible treats. Learn more on this morning hike along the Gavin’s Point Nature Trail. Info: 605-668-2985
  • Lake Herman Beach Bash, Lake Herman State Park near Madison, July 16, 10 a.m. CDT. Come for a day of sun and sand, and participate in a number of beach activities. Buddy, the South Dakota Public Broadcasting Kid, will also be on-hand for photos and to help make a sand craft. Info: 605-256-5003
  • Didgeridoo, Mina Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen, July 16, 10 a.m. CDT. Find out what a didgeridoo is, and what it does. Learn how to play the instrument. All ages welcome. Info: 605-626-3488
  • Journey Through Time, Oakwood State Park near Volga, July 16, 10 a.m. CDT. Visitors will be led on a tour of historic sites at Oakwood Lakes State Park, learn about Samuel Mortimer and more. Info: 605-627-5441
  • Stories in the Stone Walk in the Park, Palisades State Park near Garretson, July 16, 10 a.m. CDT. This walk in the park will highlight the beautiful Sioux Quartzite rock formations inside Palisades State Park. Visitors will be told about the park’s creation and unique history. Info: 605-594-3824
  • Catch that Frog, Roy Lake State Park near Lake City, July 16, 10 a.m. CDT. Learn the difference between reptiles and amphibians. Info: 605-448-5701
  • Parrot Program, Newton Hills State Park near Canton, July 16, 1 p.m. CDT. Bring the family and your lawn chairs to campsite 85E to learn about the Ensz family's eight parrots from all over the world. Children under 12 years old need to be accompanied by an adult. Info: 605-987-2263
  • Dutch Oven Gathering, Pierson Ranch Recreation Area near Yankton, July 16, 5:30 p.m. CDT. Show off your talents and learn from others at this potluck. Bring your pre-made item or cook with the group. Both beginners and
  • experts are invited to attend. Info: 605-668-2985
  • Snakes Alive!, Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs, July 16, 6 p.m. MDT. Terry Phillip of Reptile Gardens will present a live snake show focusing on snake species of western South Dakota. Bring a lawn chair and your camera! Info: 605-745-6996
  • Lantern Tour of Fort Buildings, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, July 16, 9:30 p.m. CDT. Tour historic Fort Sisseton by the light of a lantern. Learn about the people and events that make this historic site famous. Children age 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Info: 605-448-5474
  • Samuelson’s Open Cabin, Beaver Creek Nature Area, July 17, 3 p.m. CDT. The historical Samuelson's cabin located inside Beaver Creek Nature area will be open for visitors to explore. The park naturalist will be on-hand to tell you all about the family that built and lived in this cabin over 130 years ago. Info: 605-256-5003
There is no cost to participate in any of the park programs; however, a park entrance license is required to enter most parks. The programs are held in addition to regular programs hosted by individual parks on summer weekends.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and remember to bring bug spray and plenty of drinking water.
For more information on S.D. state parks and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.gfp.sd.gov or call 605-773-3391.
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