Step into history, beauty
Fun is what draws people to sanctioned volksmarches across the region. Anyone with a $3 entry fee is welcome. And those willing to pay a $5 annual fee can become a member of the Black Hills Volkssport Association, which coordinates and schedules many volksmarches.
You might wish to join club members each Tuesday at 6 p.m, May 15 through Aug. 7. It’s a great opportunity to get to know local club members. All walks or bikes are group led over the year-round and seasonal routes. The walks are AVA-sanctioned so bring your record books and receive credit for walking. (Note there is no walk on Tuesday, July 3.)
If you would like to give volksmarching a try, here’s the 2007 schedule:
Year-round volksmarches
- Rapid City Year-Round Volksmarch: Walk goes through Rapid City’s historic district and along Rapid Creek. Starts at the Alex Johnson Hotel.
- Spearfish Year-Round Volksmarch: Walk goes through the scenic parts of Spearfish, out to the canyon, past Black Hills State University and through the downtown area. Route starts at Minitman Conoco Station.
Seasonal volksmarches
(April 1-Nov. 30)
- Sturgis Rumble Volksmarch: National Heritage Walk is on the bike path out to Fort Meade Museum and the return trip is through the wooded area past Old Post Cemetery. Starts at the Sturgis Community Center.
- Deadwood Gulch Volksmarch: This 10K (6.2-mile) volksmarch is on the Mickelson Trail, along the nature path by Whitewood Creek and through the downtown gaming area in Deadwood.
- Rapid City Seasonal Volksmarch: This 10K walk follows the bike path through Canyon Lake Park, along Rapid Creek and through Sioux Park to the huge sundial. Starts at Canyon Lake Resort.
- Rapid City Library Historical Volksmarch: The walk winds past presidential statues on the corners of Rapid City’s downtown, then along the historic sector of West Boulevard and up Skyline Drive. Both 5K and 10K. 5K is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Starts at Rapid City Library.
- Hot Springs Seasonal Volksmarch: This 10K walk runs through historic Hot Springs. Starts at Super 8 Motel.
- Wind Cave Seasonal Volksmarch: This 10K volksmarch takes you through a portion of Wind Cave National Park. Register at the visitor center.
- Custer State Park Seasonal Volksmarch (begins May 19; ends Sept. 30): Walk on a pre-marked trail along the Wildlife Loop Road. The 11K (7 mile) hike begins at Peter Norbeck Visitor Center.
- Englewood Trail Seasonal Volksmarch: 6.2 mile volksmarch on Mickelson Trail. Starts at Boondocks Store on Highway 385. Ends Sept. 30.
- Nemo Mercantile: 10K moderately strenuous hike through forest hills. Starts at the Nemo store.
- Mickelson Extension: Beginning at the Custer Chamber office, this 5/11 K walk takes you as far as Stockade Lake on the edge of Custer State Park.
- Newcastle, Wyo.: This 10K walk through downtown Newcastle begins at the Fountain Motor Inn.
- Devils Tower: Start this 11K walk at Devils Tower Trading Post and circle the monument.
For more information, call Black Hills Volkssport Association at 605-718-0611 or visit online at www.ava.org/clubs/bhva.