By: Yogi Bear Jellystone Park 

The new school year might be right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean the end of summer fun. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park has experienced a record year due to recently expanded family fun opportunities and easy access. 

The Corn Maze at Jellystone Park™ has continued to improve on the existing maze complex to create an all-day experience that is right for any family in addition to mini-golf, outdoor pool, and the area’s only jumping pillow. 

“New amenities allow us to expand our offerings during the corn maze season,” said Ray Aljets, General Manager of the campground and corn maze complex.  “We will continue to offer the same great maze experience including several family-friendly add-ons that can fill your whole day.” 

A new mining attraction that gives kids a hands-on experience has been added to an already packed facility featuring an outdoor laser tag arena with 16 state-of-the-art laser tag guns and multiple game modes for all ages.  There is also an expanded merchandise and snack area, new restrooms, and additional activities in the heated and cooled recreation center.  

Paint your own ceramic figurine, choosing from a wide variety of designs including the one and only Yogi Bear™ himself.  

 They even have custom fall-themed t-shirts that you can tie-dye at the park 

“The variety of packages and price points available mean there is an option for every family and budget,” Aljets said. “We’re also a destination for those that are traveling in from other states or just making a quick trip from the Sioux Falls area.” 

 If you are looking to get your camper out for one last weekend, be sure to check into the Halloween-themed weekends through the end of September.  There are magic pumpkin patches, site-to-site Trick-or-Treating, Halloween crafts, and much more!  Be sure to bring your Halloween costumes for a fun-filled weekend. 

While pets are welcome in the campground, the corn maze has teamed with the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society to open the corn maze to pets for one day only.  Bring your pet for a trip through the corn maze on Sunday, October 6th and 20% of your admission fee will go to the Humane Society! 

 For the last 28 years, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park has focused on quality, family-focused entertainment.  Speaking with the park manager and part-owner, Ray Aljets, ‘Hood staff learned he is a 3rd generation owner-operator of the park he co-owns and operates with his parents, Bruce and Donna, and his sister, Christina Lien.  Built by his grandparents in 1989, the park continues its family focus, employing extended family including three of Christina’s children and her son-in-law.  Aljets is proud of the park’s ability to retain and hire new employees during a tough hiring year. “Despite the employee hiring challenges other businesses faced this year, we were able to quickly fill our workforce needs,” said Aljets. “This is a testament to our employees’ appreciation of our family-focused activities and the interaction with our guests.” 

For a full schedule of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park events and information about the corn maze, check out their websites: www.jellystonesiouxfalls.com and www.siouxfallscornmaze.com or call 1-605-332-2233. You can also check their Facebook page: @jellystonesiouxfalls.  

YOGI BEAR and all related characters and elements (c) & TM Hanna-Barbera (s20)