South Dakota Parks Have "Unbe-leaf-able" Views

AARP South Dakota invites you to hike and capture the unbe-leaf-able views that the great South Dakota outdoors has to offer!

We have been visiting state parks monthly since May for free guided hikes with a little South Dakota history while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Each hike is located within a South Dakota State Park, and while a park entrance license is required to enter, AARP South Dakota will provide any registered participants with a free daily park pass if needed.

There are two more opportunities to enjoy a hike, so register today!

August 19 at 10 a.m. (Central Time) – Richmond Lake – Aberdeen
Richmond Lake is a human-made reservoir created 1930s by the WPA. This 1,012-acre lake was once one of the largest reservoirs in South Dakota before the chain of dams was completed along the Missouri River. This Quaking Aspen Trail is a moderate, somewhat hilly, though even trail that is located by the swimming beach. This hike offers amazing views of the lake. Plan to hike about a mile along the beach and on the trail. Comfortable shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Register here.

September 16 at 10 a.m. (Central Time) – Pelican Lake – Watertown
Pelican Lake Recreation Area is popular for its vast number of prairie grasses and wildflowers. This area offers a variety of shore birds that spend their entire summer in or near the park. The most noticeable are the large white pelicans that frequent the lake. This Native Flower Observation Tower Trail is an easy and even hike, that is just over 1-mile loop. This gravel trail winds through native flowers. Comfortable shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Register here.

Hope to see you out on the trail!