The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is inviting Texans to mark the nation’s 250th birthday with patriotic, history-themed programming at state parks across Texas this Fourth of July, according to a June 29 news release.
The agency said the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence has shaped an unusually full slate of holiday events this year, with offerings spanning history, hands-on crafts, nature and outdoor recreation. TPWD encouraged visitors to double-check the calendar, noting that some events require registration or fall on dates other than July 4.
History-minded visitors can hike through park pasts at Lake Corpus Christi, Goose Island and the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, watch an artillery demonstration and military drills at Fort Richardson State Park, examine ancient dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park, or learn how cattle herds figured into the American Revolution at Goliad State Park and Historic Site, according to the release.
Hands-on programming includes Dutch oven cooking at parks such as Cooper, Mustang Island and Purtis Creek; atlatl throwing and archery at Inks Lake State Park; and making the ink used to sign some of America’s most important documents at sites including Bastrop, Fort Parker and Government Canyon. Nature lovers can visit the bison at Caprock Canyons State Park, take in star parties at Pedernales Falls and Mother Neff state parks, or learn about the Texas horned lizard, the state reptile, at Lake Arrowhead State Park, the agency said.
Other activities range from a red, white and blue scavenger hunt at Lockhart State Park and sunset watercolor painting at Galveston Island State Park to night hikes at Inks Lake and hand-churned ice cream and games at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.
TPWD said more information about the parks is available on the Texas State Parks website, with full America 250 programming listed on its events page.