There’s no better time than now! There’s no better place than here! To visit a South Dakota state park, that is. Today through this Sunday, May 23, all state parks and recreation areas in our great state are free to enter, as part of the annual Open House Weekend. No gate fees of any type. Oh, and fishing is FREE too.

During the annual three-day event, anglers can fish – without licenses – in any public water in the state. Camping fees do still apply, but with the gate entrances being waived, it will sure make the weekend more affordable for families taking part. Parks will also be hosting a variety of special events across the state this weekend as part of the open house.

Custer State Park, near the town of Custer, is going all-out this weekend with a full schedule of events for park visitors. Among the special events taking place in Custer State Park are: fishing derbies, guided trail hikes, hay rides, pancake feeds and the ever-popular “buffalo chip flip.” CLICK HERE for the full weekend schedule of Custer State Park events.

Besides Custer State park, there are five other state parks and recreation areas here in the Black Hills. and all of them will be participating in the fee-free weekend.

• Rocky Point Recreation Area near Belle Fourche
• Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis
• Roughlock Falls Nature Area in Spearfish Canyon
• The Mickelson Trail – runs from Deadwood to Edgemont
• Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs

The weather looks to be pretty good this weekend here in the hills, the price is right and the scenery is beautiful – it really is a great weekend to explore one of the area’s state parks.

As for me, I plan to hike Little Devil’s Tower in Custer State Park on Saturday. I’ll be the one with the black backpack and the smile from ear to ear – after all, what’s not to smile about when you’re enjoying the Black Hills?