By Rep. Kristi Noem

Many South Dakotans kicked off the summer season as soon as school was dismissed, but this week we celebrated the official start of summer. We’ve been having some beautiful weather in South Dakota, and I hope folks have been able to take advantage of it. I was out last weekend with my family fishing for walleye and not too long ago we all went hiking in the Black Hills.

South Dakota may not be known for skyscrapers, but we are known for our beautiful scenery. Summer is a great time to take advantage of South Dakota’s state and national parks and recreation areas to fish, swim, hike or camp.

With the Fourth of July right around the corner, many communities across South Dakota are gearing up to celebrate. Fireworks stands are opening and parade floats are being assembled. Summer in South Dakota is also full of local events that are great for the whole family, such as Quarry Days in Dell Rapids and quasquicentennial celebrations in towns like Eureka and Orient.

I look forward to traveling across the state this summer, not only in my capacity as our state’s lone representative in the U.S. House, but also as a proud South Dakotan. Nothing is better than road tripping across our state with my kids, reminiscing about our favorite memories and making new ones along the way.

We are lucky to live in a state that has so much to offer during the summer months. Whether it’s hiking the Black Hills, visiting one of our many famed tourist destinations or getting out on the Missouri River, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The South Dakota Department of Tourism is a great resource for visitors and South Dakotans alike, and if anyone is looking for a way to take advantage of the South Dakota Summer, their website (www.travelsd.com) is a good place to start.

The kids will be back in school and summer will be over before we know it. I know I’ll be taking every opportunity to enjoy our great state with my family. I hope South Dakotans have the chance to truly celebrate summer and enjoy all that South Dakota has to offer.

Rep. Kristi Noem is South Dakota’s lone U.S. Representative, elected in November 2010. She serves on the Agriculture, Education and Workforce and Natural Resources Committees.