South Dakota's Bear Butte State Park

Six miles north-east of Sturgis is South Dakota's Bear Butte State Park.  Activities available in this park include boating, camping, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. This State Park is considered a sacred ground for many American Indians.   While visiting Bear Butte State Park you are likely to see prayer cloths and tobacco ties that have been offered as prayers by the American Indians during their time of worship.  

• Boating/Canoeing - The Bear Butte Lake offers opportunities for boating and canoeing
• Camping - There are 15 non-electric campsites available on a first come first serve basis in the main campground.  There are non-electric campsites in the middle camp ground and there are  four additional horse camping sites in the Bear Butte State Park.
• Fishing - Bear Butte Lake offers a fishing dock giving anglers the opportunity to catch bullheads, crappie and northern pike.
• Hiking - The Bear Butte State Park offers hikers two trails to enjoy the majestic views.  The Summit Trail is 1.85 miles long while the Lake Trail is 2.5 miles long.  This park also allows access to the northernmost point of the 111 mile long Centennial Trail.
• Horseback Riding - The campsites for equestrian use are located on the west side of highway 79.

This South Dakota State park has a lot to offer for those outdoor enthusiasts who love to learn about the ways of the Native American Indian.

For more information on this State Park check out the South Dakota GFP Website.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

Ohio's A.W. Marion State Park

Located in Pickaway county the 309 acre A.W. Marion State Park offers a variety of activities for its visitors.  Included in these activities are boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming and with the right conditions even sledding, ice skating and ice fishing.  

• Boating - The 145 acre Hargus Creek Lake has one boat ramp that allows access for canoes, kayaks and boats with electric motors.  There are also boat rentals available at the park.
• Fishing - Fishing in the Hargus Creek Lake is open to individuals who possess an Ohio state fishing permit and offers anglers the chance to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill.  During the winter months anglers can enjoy ice fishing when conditions allow.
• Hiking - The Hargus Lake Trail is a total of five miles long and runs along the lakes shoreline.  The Squawroot Trail offers a one mile hike through the scenic terrain of the area.  The parks two trails are available for use all year long.
• Hunting - During squirrel season designated areas of the A.W. Marion State Park are open for squirrel hunting.
• Swimming - Although there is no swim beach, swimming from you boat is allowed in designated areas on the lake.
• Ice Skating - When conditions permit during the winter months ice skating is allowed on the Hargus Creek Lake.

Whether you want to go boating, fishing, swimming and hiking or you just want to sit back and relax while enjoying the peaceful surroundings the A.W. Marion State Park offers something for everyone.

For more information on this park check out the ODNR Division of State Parks Website.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day