6/4/2007

S.D. State Parks Host Family Activities on Father’s Day Weekend

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota state parks will offer visitors a number of free family activities on Father’s Day weekend.

Thank Dad and help him enjoy his weekend by joining in on the following events:

·        Family Fun Day, West Bend Recreation Area near Pierre. Sat., June 16 at 1 p.m. Bring the whole family to the park for an afternoon of fun activities and games. Info: (605) 773-2885

·        Prairies Gone By Walk In the Park, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Sioux Falls. Sat., June 16 at 8 a.m. Meet at the picnic shelter. Follow the Prairie Vista Trail as you explore native prairie with flowers and grasses. Participants will learn the differences between the flowers and grasses and how to identify them. Info: (605) 582-7243

·        Bird Watching at Breakfast Walk In the Park, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Brookings. Sat., June 16 at 9 a.m. Learn the basics of bird watching while trying to spot different types of birds native to the area. Info: (605) 627-5441

·        Family Fun Day, Indian Creek Recreation Area near Pierre. Sat., June 16 at 1 p.m. Families are invited to attend a fun-filled afternoon at the park. Info: (605) 773-2885

·        The Big Mick – Century and Half Century Ride, George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills. Sat., June 16 at 5 a.m. Start at the Lead Trailhead. Bike the entire 100+ miles of the Mickelson Trail in one day. The ride starts at the Deadwood Trailhead and ends in Edgemont. Info: (605) 745-3463 or www.TheBigMick.org

These programs are in addition to the regular programming hosted by individual parks throughout the summer.

The programs are open to all ages. A park entrance license is required. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. There is no cost to participate in any of these programs except The Big Mick.

For more information on activities in the S.D. state parks, visit www.SDparks.info, contact the individual park office or call (605) 773-3391.

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