STAFF REPORTS
AUSTIN — The Centennial Celebration of Texas State Parks is in full swing as more Texans head outdoors. To commemorate 100 years, every state park will host at least one special community event during the 2023 Centennial year, along with regular park events all year long. Everyone is invited to join in the fun.
In 1923, Governor Pat Neff persuaded the legislature to create the State Parks Board. He later regarded this action as his most important achievement as governor. In a 1925 speech, Neff notes that a parks system would afford a place where people “might go and forget the anxiety and strife and vexation of life’s daily grind.”
Upcoming 100-Year Celebration Events If you’re traveling around Texas this summer,
Astronomy with Buddy
South Llano River State Park Come by for a quick look at the stars! Jun 16 8:30a
Coffee with a Ranger
Goose Island State Park Stop by our historic CCC Recreation Hall for some coffee and a Q&A with a park ranger.
Jun 16 10:00a Survival Hike
Davis Mountains State Park Sharpen your survival skills on this moderate, 2-hour hike, as you encounter survival scenarios common in the Davis Mountains.
Jun 16 10:00a
Watercolor
South Llano River State Park Join a Ranger and enjoy some watercolors.
Jun 16 10:00a
Bay Exploration
Galveston Island State Park Explore the marsh and bay ecosystems, on land and below the surface.
Jun 16 10:00a
Virtual Visit to Mustang Island State Park Mustang Island State Park Cool views and park updates Jun 16 10:30a
Butterfly and Dragonfly Tours
here are the special 100th Anniversary events happening from June through August.
June 17 | 2:00 PM Summer S'mores Day Choke Canyon State Park Calliham Unit June 17 | 5:00 PM Celebrate 100 S'more Years McKinney Falls State Park June 17 | 6:00 PM Primitive S'mores
Estero Llano Grande State Park Join us on a ranger-led tour through the park noting these beautiful insects, some found nowhere else but in South Texas.
Jun 16 11:30a
Reptile Ranger
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park Join Ranger George to learn all about reptiles!
Jun 16 2:00p Meet The Longhorns
Copper Breaks State Park Meet some of the official state longhorn herd!
Jun 16 2:00p
THE Palo Duro Van Tour
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Beat the heat with a drive through Palo Duro Canyon from the comfort of our van.
Jun 16 3:00p
Seaweed Safari
Mustang Island State Park See some fish, grab a crab, explore the shore Jun 16 3:00p
Reptile Ranger
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park Join Ranger George to learn all about reptiles!
Jun 16 3:00p
Turtle Talk
Lake Corpus Christi State Park June 17 | 8:00 PM Star S'mores: The Phantom Mallow Pedernales Falls State Park June 17 | 9:00 PM Starry Skies of Balmorhea Balmorhea State Park June 24 | 7:00 PM S'mores and Stories Lake Casa Blanca International State Park July 15 | 9:00
Galveston Island State Park Turtle-y awesome talk about turtles Jun 16 4:00p
Fort Davis Tales
Davis Mountains State Park Come hear stories about the colorful characters and events which shaped the development of the coolest town in Texas (and highest county seat).
Jun 16 5:00p
Decorate a Star Chart
Lake Corpus Christi State Park Make and decorate your very own map of the night sky!
Jun 16 6:30p
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle du Bois | Two Night Event | Texas Outdoor Family | DFW Area (Registration Open)
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit Join us for a fun-filled weekend and discover the joys of camping in your Texas State Parks.
Jun 16 7:30p
History of Fire
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park Join a ranger in a trial by fire! Learn how to bring fire to life the way your ancestors did.
Jun 16 8:00p
Wonders of the Night Lake Corpus Christi State Park
100-Year Boat-A-Thon Inks Lake State Park July 22 | 9:00 Kids Fish Sea Rim State Park July 22 | 8:00 100 S'more Years of Texas State Parks!
Dinosaur Valley State Park August 12 | 6:00 PM Maples and Meteors Night Sky Fest Lost Maples State Natural Area
Explore the park after dark! Jun 16 8:00p
Nature's Night Show
Palmetto State Park Come explore the park after dark and stay for a sweet treat at the end!
Jun 16 8:30p
Night Hike!
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park Discover the park's night life like you never have before!
Jun 16 8:30p
Night Sky Star Party
Village Creek State Park Nothing can stir our imaginations quite like a clear night sky full of stars. Join us as we reconnect with what has captivated cultures all over the world for centuries.
Jun 16 8:30p
Arthropod Crawl
Cedar Hill State Park What’s crawling out of the shadows as the sun sets over Cedar Hill State Park? Jun 16 9:00p
Night Hike
Copper Breaks State Park *Limited availability, registration required* Gaze at the stars and hunt for scorpions on a Copper Breaks night hike!
Jun 17 8:00a
Here’s the full list of daily events in Texas state parks— for this weekend alone! While many of the most active park schedules aren’t in our part of Texas, visit the Full Events calendar at https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar to search by theme or location.
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