Published: Jan. 7, 2026 at 6:47 PM CST

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - The historic winds last month left a path of destruction throughout KOTA Territory, including at a popular state park that draws thousands of visitors every year.

Wednesday, the South Dakota Department of Transportation and other crews were busy in Custer State Park, picking up the pieces from the storm’s aftermath.

The park’s visitor services coordinator, Lydia Austin, said it was mind-boggling to see thousands of trees laying on the ground throughout the tourist attraction.

She tells KOTA Territory News the destruction affected many of the park’s day and visitor use areas including Wildlife Loop Road and Sylvan Lake.

“We’re using heavy equipment,” said Austin. “You’ll see machinery throughout the park. We like to tell our guests we’re still open, but maybe plan on (a) delay, maybe plan on some of the areas being closed. We’ll have it up on our social media if we close any areas so people can prepare. “

A couple from Philip, who hiked in the park area Wednesday to take advantage of the unusually warm weather, were presented with a challenge during their stroll on a trail.

“The tree that was going across was hitting a railing on the other side,” said hiker Carol Krotch. “It was kind of like a bridge area and so we had to crawl under it because there was no way to go around it.”

Another hiker who hiked Black Elk Peak over by Sylvan Lake, Hannah McClintock, said the tree debris did make it difficult when she was navigating the trail.