Thought I’d pass this along: Custer State Park is opening its gates to offer a free weekend today through Sunday. (May 16 to 18.)

You don’t have to pay entrance entrance fees. (You still have to pay to camp.)

Throughout South Dakota this weekend, you can fish without a license. And in Custer State Park, your catch could win a fishing derby prize.

In addition, Custer State Park is putting on a number of events such as hayrack rides, cowboy cookouts, gold-panning demonstrations and pancake feeds. If you are so inclined — and I’m not, thank you very much — you can throw buffalo chips competitively.

It’s kind of a longstanding tradition at the park, to kick off the summer season with a free weekend. The following weekend is Memorial Day, the official start of the summer season.

Speaking of free stuff, I picked up this release yesterday:

“The museum at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is celebrating International Museum Day by offering free admission on Sunday, May 18.

“This year’s theme is “Museums as Agents of Social Change and Development.” The museum is open 1-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.