Travel SD Blog » Free http://blog.travelsd.com South Dakota Affordable Family Vacations Thu, 23 May 2013 15:36:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 State Parks Open House and Free Fishing Weekend http://blog.travelsd.com/index.php/2012/05/09/state-parks-open-house-and-free-fishing-weekend/ http://blog.travelsd.com/index.php/2012/05/09/state-parks-open-house-and-free-fishing-weekend/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 22:00:40 +0000 Katlyn Richter http://blog.travelsd.com/?p=1660

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

]]> http://blog.travelsd.com/index.php/2012/05/09/state-parks-open-house-and-free-fishing-weekend/feed/ 0 The World’s Only Corn Palace http://blog.travelsd.com/index.php/2011/11/07/the-worlds-only-corn-palace/ http://blog.travelsd.com/index.php/2011/11/07/the-worlds-only-corn-palace/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:58:26 +0000 Katlyn Richter http://blog.travelsd.com/?p=1339

One of South Dakota’s Great Places is covered in 3,000 bushels of corn. It’s the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D.  
 
The first CornPalace was built in 1892 to celebrate the harvest and stimulate economic growth in Mitchell. Since then, it’s developed into a must-stop location as visitors travel across South Dakota. Each year, approximately 500,000 tourists come from around the world to visit the unique attraction.
 
More than 3,000 bushels of corn are used to decorate the exterior of the CornPalace. Thirteen colors of corn are needed to decorate the exterior, and, each year, a new theme for the murals is selected. The redecoration of theCornPalace begins each year in June with the replacement of native grasses. In August, the corn murals are replaced.
 
And I must add, they have some very tasty “Corn Balls” (popcorn balls) for sale at the CORNcession stand!
 
Throughout the summer months, the CornPalace offers free guided tours filled with facts about the building, including information about how many nails and staples are used during the decorating process. Visitors will also find a display of photos depicting the murals from the last 120 years, a gift store, and concession stand.
 
Not only is the CornPalace a spectacle from the outside, but it also functions on the inside, holding basketball games, graduations, concerts, and other celebrations. In September, the CornPalace hosts an event to celebrate the end of harvest. This grand finale to the season usually includes big-name entertainment, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, food booths, antique auto displays, flea markets and more.
 
The World’s Only Corn Palace is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. April, May, September, October and November hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. December-March hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Monday-Saturday. More information about The World’s Only Corn Palace and the events that take place can be found atwww.cornpalace.com.
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