8/21/2007

Free admission to Sibley State Park for Open House on Sept. 8

Free admission, refreshments and a day of entertaining and educational programs is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8, during the annual Open House Day at Sibley State Park near New London.

"We invite the public to visit Sibley State Park for free, enjoy the great scenery and recreational opportunities in the park and participate some great programs we have lined up for Open House," said Paul Otto, manager of Sibley State Park. "Each year we offer special programs at the park in conjunction with Prairie Pothole Day being celebrated the same day near the park."

Prairie Pothole Day is at the Stoney Ridge Farm, just three-fourths mile from the park on U.S. Highway 71. The free event features displays and demonstrations of marksmanship, dog retriever trials, nature walks and a climbing wall for kids. In addition, gourmet wildlife chef John Schumacher will present two special demonstrations. The Prairie Pothole event is sponsored by the Minnesota Waterfowl Association.

"Visitors to Sibley State Park for Open House Day are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, relax in the park and participate in a wide range of fun activities," Otto added. "Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase at Stoney Ridge Farm. The Sibley State Park Improvement Association will provide free refreshments at the hospitality tent throughout the day at the park interpretive center."

Open House activities and programs scheduled at Sibley State Park include:

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free pontoon rides Boat rides available continuously from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. courtesy of the "Let's Go Fishing" program. Limit 24 people per tour. Meet at the fishing pier.

10 - 10:40 a.m. Naturalist Program: The Loon-Minnesota State Bird Meet at the park's interpretive center auditorium for a program about this fascinating bird.

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bike, boat, camping and ice house exhibits Stop at the beach area parking lot to view a variety of displays including bicycles and recreational trail use items from Spicer Bike and Sport; family tents and camping accessories from Sportsman's Warehouse; boats from Tiger Marine and a deluxe ice fishing house from Little Crow Sport Center. Staff will be on hand to answer your biking, camping, boating and recreation questions.

11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. & 1-1:45 p.m. A wide variety of music will be provided by the Coffee Shop Fiddlers at the Interpretive Center amphitheater.

2-2:30 p.m. Naturalist Program: The Bald Eagle Meet at the park's interpretive center auditorium for a program about our national bird.

Sibley State Park is located 15 miles north of Willmar on U.S. Highway 71 approximately 110 miles from the Twin Cities. The 2,500-acre park offers camping opportunities that include electric sites, handicapped-accessible sites, a horse camp, group camp and group center.

Visitors enjoy the hiking, bike and horse trails in summer and the ski, snowmobile and snowshoe trails in winter. A swimming beach, picnic area and shelter, fishing and handicapped-accessible fishing pier offer are also available at the park.

Although no vehicle permit will be required to enter the park during Open House, Otto said camping fees will be in effect that day. Contact Sibley State Park at (320) 354-2055 for more details.