Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2003
For more information:  Emilie Miller, 773-4235

EXPERIENCE AUTUMN AT SD STATE PARKS

PIERRE - Some of the best areas in the state to view vibrant autumn colors are found in South Dakota state parks, according to Game, Fish and Parks officials.

"The great variety and number of trees in the state parks make them ideal places to view autumn foliage," said Emilie Miller, information specialist with the Division of Parks and Recreation. "A number of state parks are widely praised for their amazing fall colors. In addition to these well-known parks, many parks across the state will offer visitors a spectacular sight this fall."

Sica Hollow State Park near Sisseton and Newton Hills State Park near Canton are especially famous for their fall colors. Other notable parks include Union Grove State Park near Beresford, Lake Herman State Park near Madison, Hartford Beach State Park near Milbank, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Volga, Palisades State Park near Brandon and Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton.

Two Walk-in-the-Park programs on Sept. 27 will also provide opportunities to experience the fall colors in S.D. state parks. Sica Hollow State Park near Sisseton will host the Fabulous Fall Walk in the Park at 2 p.m., which guides hikers through the autumn foliage along the Trail of the Spirits. Participants in the Take Your Pix Walk in the Park, at 3 p.m. in Palisades State Park near Brandon, will learn how to capture colorful autumn scenery on film. The programs, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Department of Health, are free to participants, but park entrance license is required.

For more information on South Dakota state parks or the Walk in the Park Programs, contact the Division of Parks and Recreation at (605) 773-3391 or visit www.sdgfp.info/parks.

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