9/26/2005  -  CUSTER, S.D. – Halloween leads many people to envision ghosts, goblins, and spooky sounds. However, not every Halloween event has to be creepy and scary. Custer State Park, nestled in the southern Black Hills, is hosting its annual Halloween Night Hike on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29.

The guided hike takes place on a two-mile paved trail and takes participants on an after dark educational adventure. Hikes depart from the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center every 15 minutes between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Each time slot has space for 50 participants.

"This will be the 8th Annual Halloween Night Hike for Custer State Park," said Bradley Block, Game, Fish and Parks chief of interpretation at Custer State Park. "Over the years, this event has grown in popularity, attracting more than 1200 registered guests in 2004. The participants seem to enjoy the educational topics, as well as simply have fun in the park after the sun goes down." The trail is lined with carved jack-o-lanterns, with glow sticks providing the only light source.

The hike offers six costumed characters that portray various creatures found within the park. This year’s event is focused on the critters that come out after dark. Participants will meet a great-horned owl, raccoon, little brown bat and other wildlife species.

"Humorous skits at the stations educate participants on the various natural histories of each character," Block noted. "Most participants like the costumes, and the kids enjoy asking all sorts of questions to the larger-than-life species."

The hike is free and open for everyone; however, a park entrance license is required on all vehicles. The license fee is $5 per person or $12 per vehicle and is valid for seven days. Interested participants may also purchase an annual license for $23. Reservations are required and will be taken beginning on Saturday, Oct. 1.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center at (605) 255-4464 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

-GFP-