The Black Hills Travel Blog

More Than 200 ‘Experienced the Outdoors’

By • Sep 21st, 2010 • Category: Events

One of the things that I love most about the Black Hills region is how accessible it is for folks. Sure, there are hiking trails and rock climbing routes that are a real challenge for all except the most able-bodied and technically-skilled. But, generally speaking – most attractions and activities here in the Black Hills lend themselves well to many different groups with a wide variety of abilities.

Case in point: just last week, more than 200 Black Hills-area adults with special needs gathered at Horsethief Lake campground for the sixth annual ‘Experience the Outdoors Day.’ The annual event is hosted by the Black Hills National Forest Service and its campground concessionaire, Forest Recreation Management.

Participants enjoyed a full day of recreational activities including: fishing, wagon rides, face painting, gold panning, a picnic and even a visit from Smokey Bear of the National Forest Service! A great time was had by all. Thanks to Katie, staffer at the Northern Hills Training Center in Spearfish, for sharing these great photos from the event with the Black Hills Travel Blog.

Experience the Outdoors Day in the Black Hills of South Dakota 1

Experience the Outdoors Day in the Black Hills of South Dakota 2

Experience the Outdoors Day in the Black Hills of South Dakota 3

Experience the Outdoors Day in the Black Hills of South Dakota 4

Experience the Outdoors Day in the Black Hills of South Dakota 5

Experience the Outdoors Day in the Black Hills of South Dakota 6

About the Author

is a resident of Spearfish, S.D. He grew up in the tall-corn state of Iowa, where he developed an early interest in all things outdoors. After high school he moved to Vermillion, S.D., where he earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising. During his college years, two things caught his attention: the beauty of western South Dakota’s Black Hills and a girl from those Black Hills. After graduating from college, Joe traveled across the country as a recruiter for the University of South Dakota. He saw the sights from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas and everywhere in between, but it was the Black Hills (and the girl) that kept drawing him back. He and wife moved back to the Black Hills in 2008. He's an avid hiker, mountain biker and road cyclist whose future plans include trying to fit a pair of kayaks into the spare bedroom.
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