State Residents Encouraged Take Advantage State Parks

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2026 - 7:00am

By:

Rachel Comes

By Rachel Comes, statewide

volunteer program coordinator.

Reprinted from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Conservation Digest, Summer 2026

America is turning 250 – and there’s no better place to celebrate than in South Dakota’s great outdoors. This summer, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks invited you to be a part of the celebration with Adventure 250: Make Your History in South Dakota State Parks.

Beginning Open House Weekend and running through Labor Day, Adventure 250 is your all-access pass to explore, discover, and experience state parks and recreation areas in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re a lifelong outdoor enthusiast or just looking to spend more time outside, the program is designed to be fun, flexible, and achievable for all ages and ability levels.

Adventure 250 encourages you to try something new or revisit a favorite activity with a fresh perspective. You can check off region-specific adventures or dive into class outdoor experiences like hiking scenic trails, camping under wide prairie skies, paddling peaceful lakes, casting a line, or discovering historic and natural landmarks. With opportunities available across the entire state, every park visit becomes part of your personal story.

This isn’t just a one-time outing, it’s a summer-long invitation to explore. Stop in for a quick afternoon hike, plan a long weekend camping trip, or build a summer full of park visits. Each adventure you complete earns points, bringing you closer to rewards while helping you uncover bucket-list destinations, hidden gems, and special events along the way.

Participating is simple. Complete adventures at South Dakota state parks and submit your experience online. Share a quick photo and a few details – including a selfie with a park sign – to track your progress and qualify for prizes.

The more you explore, the more chances to win. With 17 weeks of prize drawings and four winners selected statewide each week, there are plenty of opportunities to win new outdoor gear all summer long.

Reach 250 points to earn your place in the Adventure 250 Club – a mark of those who went further, stayed longer, and saw more. Members receive a special prize bundle featuring Adventure 250 gear. They’ll also be entered into grand prize drawings, including a camping getaway package, a lakeside fun package, and a complete fishing setup.

Adventure 250 is about more than prizes – it’s about making memories, trying new things, and experiencing the incredible variety South Dakota state parks have to offer. From peaceful mornings on the water to evenings around the campfire, every visit adds a new chapter to your story.

So, how will you celebrate America’s 250? Grab your gear, gather your crew, and start your Adventure 250 journey. Your next great memory is waiting just down the road.