Residents Utilize State Parks to Rediscover Outdoor Activities

Published by admin on Tue, 06/02/2020 - 3:32pm

The spring of 2020 has kept South Dakota residents cooped up, but they are rediscovering the treasures of getting outdoors. The South Dakota state parks system has seen increased use as people look for ways to get out, but still observe social distancing.

Residents Utilize State Parks

to Rediscover Outdoor Activities

By Brenda Kleinjan, SDREA

Reprinted with permission of SDREA

South Dakota’s state parks and wide-open spaces can be a beacon to those who have spent the winter and spring months cooped up at home.

“Parks are very good places to go outdoors and get out of the house,” said Al Nedved, deputy director of parks for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

Nedved said that in April 2020, the parks had seen an increase in use over 2019, due in part to better weather than the previous year and also to the COVID-19 restrictions.

“People are really rediscovering the outdoors again,” said Nedved. “Our parks are open. We are strongly advising people to follow social distancing guidelines set by CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the state department of health.”

In addition to the social distancing, the parks are encouraging people to be as self-sufficient as possible by using their own facilities. State park visitors are also asked to plan ahead and use the reservation website to purchase licenses and make reservations ahead of time to limit interaction at the parks as much as possible.

And as Americans head outdoors celebrating June as both National Camping Month and Nation Great Outdoors Month, thousands of South Dakotans will be discovering and rediscovering the Rushmore state’s park system.

The state’s parks, established in 1919 with the creation of Custer State Park in western South Dakota, saw considerable growth in the post World War II era. The newest park, Good Earth State Park, was established in 2013 southeast of Sioux Falls.

“It’s a very unique archaeological and historical site,” said Nedved, noting the area was a vast trading center for Native Americans going back several hundred years.

The South Dakota State Park system includes 13 state parks, 43 recreation areas, five nature areas, one historic prairie, 69 lakeside use areas and 10 marina/resorts. In addition, the Division of Parks and Recreation manages the 114-mile Mickelson Trail, South Dakota’s Snowmobile Trail Program, and maintains 240 public water access areas.

“I always tell people the best-kept secret is the place you have not been yet. You never know where there is a site that will become a favorite spot,” said Nedved. “Each park is unique; it’s great to experience them all. Each is rich with natural, historical and cultural resources.”

Custer State Park is the largest of the parks at 71,000 acres, while Fort Sisseton in northeastern South Dakota is one of the smallest.

Palisades State park has geological structures that are really unique,” Nedved said.

“The Missouri River parks offer incomparable opportunities for fishing and water recreation,” said Nedved, noting that parks on the river extend from Pollock in the north-central part of the state to the Adams Nature Area and Preserve by North Sioux City which features a well-preserved farmstead and a trail system.

“They are a great place to make memories and be together,” Nedved said.

The parks offer a variety of activities: camping and fishing are popular as well as other water-based recreation. Hiking, biking and trail-related activities are a draw as are leisure sport activities like disc golf, volleyball and horseshoes.

“The biggest one is the ability to come out and enjoy the outdoors and have a really good experience,” said Nedved. “I like to tell people to think of parks as a really great place for your emotional and physical health. There’s no greater place to go and exercise than the great outdoors.”

Those intending to camp should do a little research and have a basic knowledge of the outdoors. In addition to packing bug spray, appropriate clothing and sunscreen, campers in the 2020 season should also plan on bringing masks and hand sanitizer.

Also on the list should be a NOAA weather radio or other device to track severe weather.

“South Dakota weather can be unpredictable at times. You need to plan ahead and be prepared for wind, hail and lightning,” said Nedved.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors this summer and do it responsibly,” Nedved said.

Before you go, be sure to check the Game, Fish and Parks website at gpf.sd.gov/parks for updates and current information.