Texarkana may be celebrating 150 years all this year (TXK150), but so are your Texas State Parks. The state parks are a little younger, at 100 years old, but a celebration is a celebration, and there are events happening all year long right here in East Texas. Here are a few coming up in April 2023.

Spring is popping out all over the Great State of Texas as the Centennial Celebration of Texas State Parks continues to bring more Texans outdoors. Every state park is hosting at least one special community event during the 2023 Centennial year, plus the usual park events all year long.

April 14 – 16

Caddo Lake State Park: Caddo Homecoming (Northeast of Marshall) 

Celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks and 30 years of conservation with the Caddo Lake Institute during this weekend-long event. Caddo Lake State Park offers canoeing, fishing, games, art, and even a sock hop. Decorate your campsite with a retro theme, visit an outreach table or local presentation, and enjoy events and activities all weekend long. The event will run from 8 AM - 2 PM.

Martin Creek Lake State Park: Bait and Boats (Southeast of Longview)

Water-based recreation. Start your morning off by attending the Fishing 101 course to show new users the basics of fishing. Test your new skills on the water by participating in the fishing derby. Wrap up your day on the water, as park rangers guide a sunset paddle in kayaks and canoes around the island. Equipment is available by reservation only. The event will run from 9 AM - 8 PM.

Bonham State Park: Texas State Parks 100-Year Celebration (northeast of Dallas-Fort Worth) 

Celebrate this 100-year milestone with us at Bonham State Park with various natural and cultural table talks and activities for all to enjoy including identifying fossils, a Bois 'd Arc Trail CCC hike, and a backyard bass program.
The event will run from 10 AM - 2 PM.

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April 22

Mission Tejas State Park: 16th Annual Folk Festival at Mission Tejas  (West of Nacogdoches) 

Kick back and take a trip back in time. Explore the festival grounds beneath the pines and interact with presenters that bring the past to life. Learn about the crafts, skills, trades, and history that helped early Texans survive. There is fun for the whole family, with many activities for all ages. The event will run from 10 AM - 3 PM.

Village Creek State Park: Village Creek Fun Day (North of Beaumont) 

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks with a  fun day featuring activities for all ages including primitive skills practice, paddling tutorials, archery, yoga, fishing, guided hikes, and more. There will also be a Camping with a Ranger overnight event that night. The event will run from 10 AM - 7 PM.

Chase Fountain, TPWD ©2015
Chase Fountain, TPWD ©2015
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In addition to these Centennial celebrations in East Texas, several state parks will be commemorating Earth Day all over the state with special events on April 22, including an Earth Day Extravaganza at Ray Roberts Lake, an Earth Day Park Pick-Up at Martin Creek Lake, a Hawk Watch at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, an Adopt-a Beach event at Sea Rim and a Wildscape Work Day at Sheldon Lake.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is partnering with TPWD and H-E-B to celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks. H-E-B, the presenting sponsor of the celebration, has donated $1 million to help Texas State Parks engage all Texans in discovering and enjoying their state parks.

For more information on the Centennial Celebration, including community events, the history of Texas State Parks and how to make a day visit or overnight reservation, visit the Texas State Parks 100 Years website at TexasStateParks.org/100years.

Best Safety/Rest Area In East Texas Along I-30

These Rest Areas are managed and maintained, video surveilled, and kept very clean, by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Buc-ee's Royse City, Texas Gallery

Mid America Flight Museum - Mt Pleasant, Texas

Open: Saturday from 8 AM until noon.
Admission: FREE
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