Get out, explore, and catch a fish…on us! Next weekend is open house and free fishing weekend across South Dakota. All of the state parks and campgrounds will offer free admittance and require no fishing licenses May 18-20, 2012.

Fishing on South Dakota's Waters

This provides a great opportunity for visitors to explore the beauty and natural wonders of South Dakota’s fantastic state park system. It’s also a nice time for South Dakota’s own residents to explore what is in their own backyard, or perhaps take a quick trip to a neighboring park to explore a new adventure.

Palisades State Park

Several parks are holding special events in conjunction with the open house weekend. The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton will be having Techno-Treasure Hunt (geocaching for beginners); Custer State Park will be hosting the annual Volksmarch Trail where visitors will walk their own 6.2 miles through various park habitats. Palisades State Park is holding a family fishing event where poles and bait are provided. Newton Hills State Park will be hosting Youth Activity Day where participants will be exposed to several activities presented by South Dakota Wildlife and Parks staff; visitors can try out archery, muzzleloader shooting, campfire cooking, and fishing! And finally, there will be a Creatures of the Night Hike at Chief White Crane Recreation area. For more information and details on all of these events, visit http://www.gfp.sd.gov/calendar.aspx.

So head out and find a cozy spot in one of our state parks. We hope you enjoy a fantastic weekend, and this time, it’s on us!

Hiking in the Black Hills

Note: Camping fees still apply

If you’re a fan of the Antiques Roadshow on PBS, you’ve likely already heard that they’ll be visiting South Dakota soon. This will be the show’s first visit to South Dakota. The TV Show will be at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center on Saturday, July 14, 2012.

If you’re interested in being on the Antiques Roadshow, you can apply for two free tickets for one of the events until April 16. Click here to be taken to the ticket application page.

There are several things to consider before applying for tickets, including information on how large the items can be. For everything you need to know about the items you’re interested in bringing in, or information about the location of the event in Rapid City, click here.

Watch July 14th, 2012 — ROADSHOW Comes to Rapid City, SD! on PBS. See more from Antiques Roadshow.

If you’re not able to attend the event, look forward to watching your programming for the Antiques Roadshow in Rapid City, South Dakota. We look forward to their visit this summer.

There is a Great Place in South Dakota that is located north of the Pierre and Fort Pierre communities. It creates the fourth largest artificial reservoir in the United States and one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world. It’s the Oahe Dam. 

Lake Oahe extends 231 miles from Pierre to Bismarck, N.D. Along Lake Oahe are 51 recreation areas which offer camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, skiing, boating, birding, hiking, biking and other activities. Walleye, smallmouth bass, white bass, northern pike and perch are all common catches for anglers fishing on Lake Oahe. 

Not only does the Oahe Dam provide great recreation along Lake Oahe, but it also supplies irrigation, conservation, and electric power to many Midwestern states. 

The Missouri River today is much different than the muddy, winding waterway that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark once traveled some 200 years ago. Today, four massive dams, completed in the early 1960s, mitigated the river and created more than 900 miles of open water and 3,000 miles of shoreline. In addition, the dams have created a world-class freshwater fishery. 

The Oahe Dam was authorized in 1944 by the Flood Control Act. Work began on the dam in 1948 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. By 1962, the Oahe Dam was functioning and producing hydoelectic power. The dam was dedicated on August 17, 1962, by President John F. Kennedy.

Visitors can view the Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe by following Highway 1804 seven miles north of Pierre. The Oahe Dam Visitor Center provides a complete history of Lake Oahe and the surrounding area. Exhibits feature the history of the construction of the dam and power plant and the natural history of Lake Oahe and the Missouri River. 

The Oahe Dam Visitor Center, located above the dam, is open year-round with summer hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and winter hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Visitor Center features interactive displays and information about the Oahe Dam and the Missouri River. Tours of the power plant are available. Visitors can also tour the Oahe Chapel which was built in 1877, and relocated to its current location in 1964, after the dam was built. For more information call 888-386-4617 or go to http://www.sdgreatlakes.org/thelakes/lakeoahe/.

Grab your binoculars, camera and birding guide and make plans to attend the 2^nd annual South Dakota Birding Festival. Outdoor birding enthusiasts will gather May 18-20, 2012 at Fort Randall to hopefully catch site of hundreds of migrating bird species returning to South Dakota or heading farther north. The communities of Wagner, Pickstown and Lake Andes stand ready to welcome all birders for a wonderful weekend. 

One reason for interest in this festival is the unique birding opportunities that intersect this region. The Fort Randall location in Central South Dakota includes the Missouri River, Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge and Karl Mundt National Wildlife Refuge, which are all a major flyways for migrating birds. Birders will experience seeing a wide variety of bird species in a short period of time. During the 2011 festival, birders sighted 136 different species, including Green Heron, Hooded Merganser, Stilt Sandpiper, Eastern Screech Owl, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Bell’s Vireo, Palm Warbler and many more. One highlight of the  2011 festival was a Western Grebe paired with a Clark’s Grebe. 

With birding you never know what you’ll find. Numerous Snowy Owls descended on the area this past winter and attracted hundreds of visitors. Who knows what could appear on this weekend! 

The festival will offer a full schedule of birding activities beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 18 at the Rainbow Room in Pickstown. Registration, a social and refreshments are on tap with a presentation at 7:15 p.m. by Dr. Dave Swanson (Dept. of Biology, USD) on Bird Identification.

Saturday, May 19 will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge with a Bird Banding Workshop. Continuing during the day will be Birding Field Trips, Basics of Photography workshop by Roger Dietrich (SD Nature Photographer), a program on Owls of South Dakota by Nancy Drilling (SD Projects Coordinator, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory), children’s program,  banquet and an Owling Field Trip at 9:15 p.m.

Sunday will begin with a Bird Banding Workshop at the Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge at 6:30 a.m. followed by a Birding Field Trip led by Mike Bryant (USF&WS) at the Karl Mundt National Wildlife Refuge at 7:45 a.m. The Karl Mundt Refuge is not open to the public except at this time which is an added bonus for festival attendees. 

For an event schedule and registration form, go to www.sdgreatlakes.org/greatoutdoors/birdinginfo.  Or call 605-384-3741.

This post was written by a guest blogger.

In these economic times, it’s more important than ever to plan a family vacation that is fun and relaxing, but also provides excellent value for your vacation budget. Whether you prefer all-inclusive family resorts or choosing your own hotels and restaurants to complement your sightseeing, there are plenty of options to fit your budget.
Read on to learn about some of South Dakota’s stunning destinations and how to enjoy them without breaking the bank.

Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

No visit to South Dakota is complete without a trip to world-famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 60-foot faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln carved in granite will be a sight your family remembers forever. There are a number of ranger-guided and self-guided tours available covering the history and construction of this historic landmark, and the nightly lighting ceremony offers particularly breathtaking views.

Nearby, the Black Hills National Forest offers over 300 miles of hiking and biking trails. Entrance to both parks is free, although there is an $11 parking fee at Mount Rushmore.

About an hour from Mount Rushmore, the town of Deadwood offers some inexpensive but entertaining places to stay, including Deadwood Gulch (800-695-1876) and The Lodge at Deadwood (605-584-4800). Each hotel has an on-site restaurant, pool, and casino, and rooms start at $79 a night.

Badlands National Park

The Badlands region provides some of the most spectacular vistas in the entire state. The Badlands National Park, about 75 miles south of Rapid City, offers a wide variety of activities for the entire family. The park’s entrance fee is $15 per vehicle for seven days of access. Once inside, drive the Badlands Loop Road for an excellent introduction to the park’s stunning natural wonders.
A number of free ranger programs provide information and activities relating to Badlands wildlife, geology, and plants and flowers. Kids will love Robert’s Prairie Dog Town, located near the Pinnacle Entrance. Don’t miss the extraordinary Night Sky program, held Friday through Monday evenings in summer, with the chance to view over 7,500 stars.

Budget Tips

• Take advantage of low or no entrance fees at South Dakota’s 12 state parks and 42 recreation areas! Outdoor adventure vacations are a chance for every member of the family to have fun and learn together without spending a fortune.

• On-site restaurants at the larger destinations tend to be overpriced and offer little variety. Instead, pack a cooler and have a picnic! All the major sites allow you to bring your own food, and you’re bound to find a quiet place away from the crowds.

• South Dakota is best experienced by car. If you live within one or two days’ drive, avoid the costs of plane tickets and car rental and consider making the road trip part of your vacation experience! Give maps to the kids so they can follow along and help pick out interesting stops along the way.

Retail gasoline prices have hit an all-time February high, according to AAA. The current South Dakota average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline now stands at $3.498, up 27 cents over the last two months, making many motorists uneasy about what to expect in the coming months.

“Every driver is impacted by the increased cost of fuel” said Marilyn Buskohl, spokeswoman for AAA South Dakota. “But there are several easy things we can do to stretch each tank of gas and to find the lowest fuel prices when it’s time to fill up.”

Properly inflate tires

Only 17 percent of cars have all four tires properly inflated, yet the U.S. Department of Energy reports that proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by up to three percent. It’s important not only to check tire pressures at least once a month, but also to make sure it’s done correctly. A recent survey found that 85 percent of motorists don’t know how to properly check tire pressures. It’s best to check the pressures when the tires are cold and have not been driven recently. Tires should be inflated to levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, not the pressure levels stamped on the tire sidewall. The proper pressure levels can be found on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual.

Be gentle on the gas and brake pedals

One of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve fuel is to change driving styles. Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting until the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, gently accelerate rather than making a quick start. The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can lower a car’s fuel economy by up to 33 percent.

 Let AAA find lowest gas prices

Click on Fuel News & Tools in the AAA News & Safety section of AAA.com to: check gas prices station-by-station with AAA’s free Fuel Price Finder, check national, state and city average prices via www.AAAFuelGaugeReport.com, and access AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator, which can figure your total fuel bill for your particular trip based on your particular vehicle. 

AAA’s TripTik smartphone app provides motorists with the most current and accurate gas price data available, by drawing on credit card transactions at more than 100,000 stations nationwide. Drivers  can find the lowest gas prices close to home or on the road. The AAA app’s GPS technology enables users to quickly locate stations on a map and see the price for all available grades of gasoline. Visit AAA.com/Mobile.

Drive the speed limit

Slowing down to observe the speed limit is safer and can conserve fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that each 5 mph driven over 60 mph is like paying an additional 24 cents per gallon for gas. Leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination to avoid feeling rushed so you can arrive safely and with a little more fuel in the tank.

Plan errands in advance

When running errands, try to combine multiple tasks into one trip. Several short trips starting with a cold engine each time can use twice as much gas as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Also, plan the route in advance to drive the fewest miles. Online mapping tools such as AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner are available to help plan routes and are free to all motorists at AAA.com.

Lighten the load

A heavier vehicle uses more fuel. Lighten your vehicle by cleaning out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments. Also try to avoid using a car’s roof rack to transport luggage or other equipment—especially over long distances on the highway. A loaded roof rack affects the vehicle aerodynamics and creates extra drag that reduces fuel economy.

Keep up-to-date on vehicle maintenance

Keeping a car running properly helps achieve maximum fuel economy. Be sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, and do not ignore vehicle warning lights that indicate something is wrong. Warning lights can signal problems that will greatly decrease a car’s fuel efficiency. Check and replace air filters. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10-percent increase in fuel consumption.

A not-for-profit organization, AAA South Dakota serves its 91,000 members across South Dakota with emergency help on the road, auto travel assistance and a wide range of personal insurance, travel, financial and automotive services through its 10 retail branches, and the Internet at www.AAA.com.

There is a place in South Dakota where visitors can walk with more than 800 flying creatures and see hundreds of marine animals from across the world. It’s the Sertoma Butterfly House & Purdy Marine Cove in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

Who watches the “American Pickers” on History Channel? Me personally, I really like the show. It’s one that I’ll tune into often, and I don’t mind watching a re-run.

Now, who’s been to Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo, South Dakota? If you’ve been there, you know how much great stuff they have stacked away in multiple buildings across the property. If you haven’t been there, check out their website, you’ll get a good taste. The owner of Pioneer Auto, Dave Geisler, is a long time great friend of South Dakota’s tourism industry. He was even on the Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board for 32 years. That’s dedication.

Dave was also dedicated to something else. He was dedicated to getting the American Pickers to come to South Dakota. Well, it finally happened. This summer, the American Pickers came and picked their way through South Dakota (while Frank was taking it easy motorcycling in Sturgis, what a slacker! J). They made several stops across the state, including the Pioneer Auto Show and 1880 Town.

Some of the crew here at the Department of Tourism, including myself, jumped in the car and drove out to Murdo the day the film crew was there to wish Dave good luck and congratulate him on his efforts. However, Dave had more than just a “hello” planned for us. He suited us up with one of Murdo’s finest tour guides to show us around Murdo in an old car, and I mean old!

While we were touring Murdo, Dave was swinging deals with the Pickers, and if you haven’t seen the episode yet, I won’t spoil it. But I will advise you not to get into a coin tossing bet with Mr. Geisler.. Watch for the episode titled, “What Happens in Sturgis…,” on the History Channel. It’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of South Dakota.

There is nothing like getting away on a romantic excursion with your sweetie. Newlyweds do it frequently, and parents of young children dream of it often. Empty-nesters even love a private getaway, when they are not visiting the grandkids that is. Valentine’s Day often gets a lot of attention, sometimes too much if you ask me. I cannot believe the hype for this holiday. However, it does provide the perfect reason to get away with that special someone.

There are so many romantic places to stay in South Dakota, from lodges to bed and breakfasts, to hotels that provide just the right amount of luxury at just the right price.

One weekend, my sweetie whisked me away from our routine and we enjoyed a great time together in the Black Hills. We stayed in a wonderful Black Hills vacation home that was filled with the amenities of home, and was tucked away within the beautiful forestry of the Black Hills National Forest. There are so many different private vacation homes to choose from in this area to accommodate your needs.

My girlfriend in the eastern corner of South Dakota raved about her time staying at the Club House Hotel and Suites in Sioux Falls. Nearby, they were able to find a wine and coffee bar, great dining options, and of course, she was able to do a bit of shopping. A great getaway if you ask me! Sioux Falls is full of interesting things to do, with something for everyone.

It’s not too late to start thinking about where you want to get away for Valentine’s Day. So why not plan a great trip instead of sending a bouquet of flowers or buying chocolate and wine at the last minute? Even if it’s not for Valentine’s Day, a nice getaway is always a treat.

This post was written by a student from Wisconsin, Ben K., who wrote this piece about their family road trip to South Dakota for a reader/writer class. Thanks for sharing with us Ben! We added a few photos to help illustrate Ben’s trip.

RV’s are for Cowards

“We’re here!” Our road trip from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin to South Dakota was a blast. We drove a 30′ long RV into the wilderness crawling with bus-wide spiders. In spite of that, it’s probably the most amazing state out of the 50 of them. Parking the RV was no problem, but the cranky neighbors were. The driving days were long and dreary, but stopping at the expensive treasure shops along the side of the road made up for all the sleeping up in the 5″ long bed above the cockpit.

“Wall Drug” was one of the hundreds of stores we stopped at. Excitement burst in me when I ventured through the front door of that enormous, old, and decorated district. This was way better than the large RV we risked our lives in every second with the problems like gas leaks set us back. The walls of this amazing place were covered in toy guns and Indian/cowboy weapons from the 1800′s – everything a kid under 10 dreamed of. As I walked to the next room, I could see many animal decorations that you would put on your porch or hang outside. “Boring!!!” said my brother, Max. Obviously, Max and I each had to get a gun or else our trip would be ruined.

Wall Drug - SD Dept. Tourism

Later that day I shouted, “Hey Mom, were here,” as we pulled up to a short shack that a huge man with a beard, probably didn’t have anything else to do, was working. “Welcome to Custer’s Park Camping Grounds. Now give me my 50 bucks,” said the man. Soon I learned his name was Stevie Realens. That was my favorite part of the trip; just kidding. There were far more exciting parts to the trip.

As we were driving towards the main building at our campground, Max and I spotted a tiny room with original Atari games like “Pac-man” and “Asteroids”. Once our parents deposited all of the “unnecessary fluids and solids,” we rushed as fast as our 12 year-old legs would take us. We spent about a total of about 50 dollars on a game called “Stacker.” You had to stack one virtual block on top of each other while they moved faster and faster across the screen. I wish we could have this game in the RV, I thought. That would brighten up the long days. As a prize, I got a camera that had horrible pixilation when you took the picture. “Best prize ever,” I said sarcastically.

Bear Country U.S.A. was one of our many destinations. We left our heavy RV at our campground and took a rental car. You could drive through the small park with bears scratching themselves against the side of your car. The most amazing sight to see was the bear who was sitting on a log just like a human would. It was hilarious. Max and I would take our fake guns, that we had snuck in, and would pretend the bears where monstrous beasts that we had to kill. Then we took so many pictures. I thought my smile would stay forever.

Sylvan Lake - SD Dept. Tourism

Custer State Park was a goal we had planned to reach while soaring through South Dakota. At amazing heights, we could see everything. I felt as if I were closer to God or heaven. Puh Puh Puh. “You had to bring that gun, Max!!!” Puh Puh Puh. “You just ruined the most beautiful moment of my life,” I screamed. I could hear my echo go miles and miles farther away from me. It took it away my energy for the hike we would have to go through next. The mountains in the distance looked like small hills from where we were standing. After hiking down; tripping and falling, we took a dive in a crystal clear Lake Sylvan. There were rocks out in the middle of the lake which we could rest upon. Custer State Park was the journey of a lifetime.

While we were heading home, we saw a couple with an RV. It started to pour rain. A few minutes later, hail fell down from the sky and made dents in our car. We really wanted to help the poor people, but we had a schedule we were on. The whole rest of the night, we though and made up stories about how the couple we had met earlier were doing.

After our treacherous adventure up to the top of the mountain unknowingly driving in our RV, we have learned never to drive an RV up a narrow road to Custer State Park when it is muddy… or moist… or if you riding along with dangerous spiders.

Needles Highway - SD Dept. Tourism

 By Ben K., student from Wisconsin