10/19/2005

Three SD State Parks To Host Hikes Halloween Weekend

PIERRE, S.D. - Three South Dakota State Parks will provide the backdrops for trick-or-treaters on Halloween weekend. Hikes at Custer State Park near Custer, LaFramboise Island Nature Area in Pierre and Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon will show families that Halloween can be a fun and educational family evening.

"The Halloween hikes in the state parks are fun, heart-healthy activities for families to do together," said Lynn Spomer, program specialist with the Division of Parks and Recreation. "They are also educational. Along with educational information, participants will be able to experience first-hand the sights and sounds of the parks at night."

Information on the three Halloween hikes follows below.

* Halloween Night Hike, Oct. 28 and 29 at Custer State Park near Custer. This two-mile hike lets families learn more about the various critters of the park that come out after dark. Along the jack-o-lantern-lined trail, participants will meet various costumed characters who perform educational skits. The guided hikes depart from the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (MT) Reservations are required. Info/Reservations: (605) 255-4464.

* Spooktacular Trails, Oct. 29 at Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon. The park's trails will provide more than a mile of Halloween fun. Participants can follow reflective signs with their flashlights on a scavenger hunt and gather prizes, treats and educational material at stops along the trail. Refreshments will be available at the park's picnic shelter. The Halloween activities run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (CT) Info: (605) 582-7243.

* Trick or Treat Trails, Oct. 30 at LaFramboise Island Nature Area in Pierre. A trick-or-treat trail marked by reflective signs will guide participants through the wooded nature area. Trick-or-treaters can gather prizes, informational material and treats by visiting event sponsors at stops along the trail. Bring a flashlight. The Halloween fun runs from 5 to 8 p.m. (CT) Info: (605) 773-2885.

There is no cost to participate in any of these hikes, although a Park Entrance License is required at Custer and Big Sioux. Participants are asked to wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

The hikes are part of the Walk in the Park program, a series of guided, educational hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature areas. Parks staff and volunteers lead the walks, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Departments of Health and Education.

Special events are held at the S.D. state parks year-round. For more information on the state parks or to see a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks <http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks> or call (605) 773-3391.