Custer State Park to reopen Monday, trails still closed
Fire near Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park. Photo courtesy of Whispering Pines VFD.
CUSTER, S.D. (AP) -- Custer State Park is set to reopen on a limited basis, a week after a wildfire closed the popular park in South Dakota.
Officials say U.S. Highway 16A and State Highway 87 South will reopen to the public Monday morning. But all other roads and trails in the park will remain closed.
The park's visitor center also will reopen Monday. Superintendent Matt Snyder asks for visitors to be patient as the park evaluates the damage and repairs roads and fences.
The fire has scorched more than 84 square miles (218 square kilometers) since it started from a downed power line last Monday. Officials say the fire was 90 percent contained as of Saturday.
The park just south of Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a top tourist destination.