Showing posts with label state parks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state parks. Show all posts

Monday, July 28, 2025

Custer State Park

Marilyn and I had never been to Custer State Park so we decided to spend our last afternoon in South Dakota there.  There is a lot to do within the 71,000-acre preserve, such as hiking, camping, hunting, boating, swimming, and birdwatching (there is even a playhouse with performances during the summer) but we decided to take two of the many scenic drives.  We started with the Wildlife Loop but it was a bust because we did not see any of the 1,400 buffalo who roam freely throughout the park (we didn't see any wildlife at all).  However, our next scenic drive on the Needles Highway was absolutely spectacular with needle-like rock formations made of granite that rise up through the pine and spruce trees.
This tunnel is called the Needle's Eye (it was nerve-wracking to drive through because it is very narrow).
The entrance fee is $25 per car and we spent about five hours in the park but could have stayed all day.  It is a beautiful place and I definitely recommend visiting (go here for more information).

Monday, April 1, 2024

Spring Camping Trip at Palisade State Park

Both of my sisters and I went on a quick camping trip last weekend (along with everyone else on spring break) at Palisade State Park.  We have stayed here before in my sister's trailer but this time we stayed in a cabin which was really nice.  It included sleeping for eight, a nice bathroom with a shower, a kitchen with a fridge and a microwave (no stove), and a seating area.  We had so much fun!  We got there Friday afternoon and found a great diner near us with the best burgers and fries for dinner.  We made a fire for s'mores (even though it was a bit cold) and we watched lots of movies late into the night.  We had plans on Saturday (including dinner with our aunt) and then made another fire and watched more movies.  We slept in late Sunday morning and then packed up to come home in the afternoon.  We liked staying in the cabin so much we are planning to come back this summer!
I am so happy that my sisters and I are close and that we enjoy spending time with each other!

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Antelope Island Camping Trip

Kristine, Trent, Marilyn, and I went on a winter camping trip to Antelope Island State Park for the past few days and we stayed in one of their new cabins.  They were really nice with a living room area, kitchen area, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a large loft area.  There was a large porch, a covered picnic table with a fire pit, and views of the Great Salt Lake.
The sunsets were spectacular!
We explored the island during the day and, because it has been so mild, the bison were roaming instead of being corralled like they usually are in the winter.  I got really close to a group of them (which made my sister mad).
More views of the lake.
My family spent lots of time by the fire pit, which is usually my favorite part of camping, but I didn't last very long because I didn't bring a warm enough coat and it got really cold.  I went inside and read my book during the afternoon.
Every night we stayed up late playing Shanghai Rummy!
It was a fun and relaxing trip!
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