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

Father’s Day is right around the corner. I never know what to buy my dad for a gift, but often, I think that it is the time together that my dad has always valued most. Why not head up to the northeast corner of South Dakota with dad and give him the simple gift of time spent together? The memories will last forever!

Dads have all different interests. But in this area of the state, there is something for every dad. Fishing and boating, bird watching, hiking, camping, history and unique events all can be found in this region.

Maybe your dad likes to race? Why not head over to Wylie Park and Campground. Race dad around Wylie Thunder Road on go-karts – remember, since its Father’s Day, you can let him win, just once! The whole family won’t believe their eyes when the volcano at Thunder Mountain Mini-Golf explodes shooting flames 30 feet into the air!

If he’s into history, you can’t go wrong by taking him to Fort Sisseton State Historical Park. This military outpost was established in 1864, after the nearby Dakota Conflict in western Minnesota. It was named Fort Sisseton after a nearby tribe of Native Americans. It is one of the nation’s most well-preserved frontier forts.

If your dad is an outdoorsman, there is no shortage of things to do with him in northeast South Dakota. The fishing is amazing and there are hundreds of campgrounds in the area. The whole family can enjoy Big Stone Lake with activities like fishing, swimming, camping and hiking. Other great lakes to enjoy include Lake Thompson and Lake Poinsett.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning a get-away with dad; he’ll be surprised and elated to begin an adventure with his family. Time spent together can be an everlasting gift.