PIERRE, S.D. – On May 21, visitors to Farm Island Recreation Area east of Pierre will discover the past on a hike that explores the rich history of the island and the CCC camp built there.

On the hike, participants will walk on the Farm Island Trail and will learn the history of the island, from its natural flora and fauna inhabitants, to the camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps, to the island’s early days as the site of the park’s recreational campground. Discussion will be led by Ken Stewart and Chris Nelson of the State Historic Office, and Dave Ode and Pat Thompson of the Game, Fish and Parks Department.

The hike is free, and a park entrance license is not required during Open House Weekend. Participants should meet at 10 a.m. at the island trailhead and are asked to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. For more information on the hike, contact the park office at (605) 773-2885.

The walk is the final in a series of four guided history hikes held in the Pierre area this spring. The hike is sponsored by the SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks and the State Historic Office.

For more information on the hike or the South Dakota state parks, please visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks or call (605) 773-3391.

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