America 250
June 2026
Jun
27
10:00a
End Date
Jun
27
1:00p
End Date
Jun
27
2:00p
End Date
Goose Island History Tour (Registration Required)
Goose Island State Park
Join volunteer Doreen for a special tour that will highlight America 250!
Jun
27
2:00p
End Date
If Trees Could Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Throughout their lives, trees witness life and death and if we stop to listen, we can hear the stories they have to tell about the park. Join a ranger to hear stories about the parks history and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with us. We will explore our local tree species and what tree rings mean.
Jun
28
2:00p
End Date
The Battle of the Birds
Brazos Bend State Park
Discover the birds that almost became the symbol of our country!
July 2026
Jul
1
End Date
America 250 Ultimate Picnic Photo Challenge
Galveston Island State Park
Join a coast‑to‑coast celebration of outdoor traditions with one simple snapshot.🎉
Jul
2
7:45p
End Date
America 250: Sunset Watercolors on the Coast🎨
Galveston Island State Park
Celebrate 250 years of Americans finding inspiration in the outdoors!
Jul
3
9:00a
End Date
Jul
3
9:00a
End Date
Red, White & Blue Bird Walk
Goose Island State Park
Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a patriotic bird walk!
Jul
3
10:00a
End Date
Battle of the Birds
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Do you know the history of our national bird?
Jul
3
10:00a
End Date
America 250 - Iron Inks and Feather Pens!
Mission Tejas State Park
Commemorate America's 250th Anniversary by writing with the same kind of ink and pen that the Founding Fathers used to create the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution!
Jul
3
11:00a
End Date
America 250 Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration
Mustang Island State Park
Come celebrate America's 250th birthday and join us for a Dutch Oven cooking demonstration!
Jul
3
1:00p
End Date
Old School Ink Making
Lockhart State Park
Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was written and signed using oak gall ink? Join us this Fourth of July to make ink from oak galls, just like they did 250 years ago. Then, try the ink for yourself!
Jul
3
2:30p
End Date
Nature Constitution
Goose Island State Park
Write your own constitution for nature using ink made from oak galls! This is an America 250 program.
Jul
3
3:00p
End Date
Red, White, and Blue Scavenger Hunt
Lockhart State Park
Search for red, white, and blue items in nature, and win a prize! Pick up your scavenger hunt card any time between 3-3:30pm.
Jul
3
3:00p
End Date
Jul
3
4:00p
End Date
Pioneer Life
Cooper State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
How did Native Americans and pioneers survive in the early days?
Jul
3
5:30p
End Date
Signing the Declaration: What is an Oak Gall?
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
When signing the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers used oak gall ink. What is a gall? And how do you turn it into ink? Come find out!
Jul
3
7:00p
End Date
America 250 Family Trivia Night
Fort Parker State Park
Test your family’s knowledge about our state and national symbols!
Join a ranger for a family-friendly trivia game about eagles, oak trees, cactus, and more!
Discover the state and national symbols that you can find at Fort Parker State Park.
Jul
3
7:00p
End Date
*At Capacity, Registration is Closed* Red, White, and Blue Guided Kayak Tour
Inks Lake State Park
Join park Rangers and volunteers on a patriotic sunset paddle of Inks Lake as we kick off our Independence Day celebrations, so bring your Red, White, and Blue patriotic themed lake gear for the trip
Jul
4
8:00a
End Date
America 250: Bird Outing
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Join us as we look for red, white, and blue birds!
Jul
4
8:00a
End Date
Pictograph Hike
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Hike with us into the backcountry to visit the only known pictographs in our state park!
Jul
4
8:30a
End Date
Ink Your Own Declaration
Government Canyon State Natural Area
On this date, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was written using ink made from oak galls. What's a gall? Stop by and find out!
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Fishing for America 250
Purtis Creek State Park
Come celebrate U.S.A.'s 250th Anniversary by casting a line with us!
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Fishing on the Fourth
Lockhart State Park
Come fish with us this 4th of July! All ages and abilities welcome. Drop in any time between 9-11am.
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Red, White and Blue Birds Hike
Falcon State Park
Join us for a bird walk and celebrate America's 250th birthday!
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
History Beneath Our Feet
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Celebrate America250 as we hike through the history of the Johnson Branch Unit.
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Hunting Through History-Learn to throw an Atlatl *Registration is required
Inks Lake State Park
Learn about this ancient hunting technology and then test your aim
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Freedom Ride!
Estero Llano Grande State Park
A family-friendly bike ride around the park, keeping an eye out for our very patriotic bird of the day-- the TRI-COLORED HERON, whose feathers are red, white and blue!
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Red, White, and Blue Bird Walk!
McKinney Falls State Park
Join us for a festive bird walk celebrating the incredible diversity of red, white, and blue bird species found in our park.
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Red, White, and Blue Birding Walk
Village Creek State Park
In honor of the USA's 250th, join a Park Ranger to learn about birding and see how many red, white, or blue birds we can find along the way.
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Declaring a Gall to Action: America 250
Hill Country State Natural Area
HCSNA Wants You! Band together with Hill Country State Natural Area and join forces with Ranger Augie as he demonstrates the process of making gall ink! This is the same type of ink used to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776! Enlist in the event to put quill to parchment!
Jul
4
9:00a
End Date
Red White and Bluegill Family Fishing Event
Huntsville State Park
Celebrate Independence Day participating in one of this country’s oldest outdoor activities.
Jul
4
9:30a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jul
4
9:30a
End Date
Red, White, and Blue Birding Hike
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
How many birds can you find sporting the flags colors on this guided hike?
Jul
4
9:30a
End Date
America 250: If Trees Could Talk
Lake Brownwood State Park
Join Ranger George to celebrate America 250 and learn about our nation's history with tree rings!
Jul
4
9:30a
End Date
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
America 250: DIY Declaration Craft
Cedar Hill State Park
Make your own Declaration using the same traditional ink as the Founding Fathers!
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
Ink Your Own Declaration
Cooper State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Celebrate Independence Day by making your own declaration with oak gall ink.
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
America 250: Independence Ink
Fort Parker State Park
Did you know the Declaration of Independence was written with ink made from oak galls? Find out what an oak gall is and try your hand at writing with real oak gall ink and a quill pen at this program.
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
Feeding a Revolution- Goliad's Ties to American Independence
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Discover the role the cattle herds of Mission Espiritu Santo played in helping to shape American history!
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
Ink Your Own Declaration
Cooper State Park - South Sulphur Unit
On this date, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
Hunting Through History- Archery *Registration is required
Inks Lake State Park
Learn the history of archery and then practice your skills with a bow and arrow!
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
Tales in Trees: The Story of the Bois d'Arc Hike
Bonham State Park
Come and join us for a hike that unfolds the story of the Bois d'Arc Trees in Bonham State Park that endures for generations!
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
Inking The Constitution: Ink Making Class
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Bring your whole family to the park to learn how to make the ink our founders used to sign the constitution 250 years ago! This is an America 250 Program.
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
Constitution to Nature- 250 year celebration
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
We the People... are the stewards of the land, animals, history, culture and much more. Come sign your own declaration of independence as we celebrate the founding of the United States.
Jul
4
10:00a
End Date
American 250th: Artillery Demo
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site / Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Join us for this 4th of July celebration as we fire the cannons, display firearms, and watch military drills conducted by our reenactors.
Jul
4
10:30a
End Date
Smithville 4th of July Parade
Buescher State Park
We will have a float in the Smithville, Tx. 4th of July Parade, come cheer us on at this free community event!
Jul
4
10:30a
End Date
Fun & Games at the Farm for America 250
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Come celebrate the birth of our nation the old-fashioned way at the Sauer-Beckmann Farm!
Jul
4
11:00a
End Date
Dutch Oven Cooking
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Celebrate America250 while we cook some classic American pies!
Jul
4
11:00a
End Date
America 250: Horned Lizards
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Learn about the Texas Horned Lizard and other horned lizard species that live in the US!
Jul
4
1:00p
End Date
America 250: Historical Toys and Games
Cedar Hill State Park
Try out some games from over a century ago!
Jul
4
1:00p
End Date
Jul
4
1:00p
End Date
Patriotic Parks Trivia!
McKinney Falls State Park
Put your knowledge of National and State symbols to the test!
Jul
4
1:00p
End Date
Feeding a Revolution- Goliad's Ties to American Independence
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Discover the role the cattle herds of Mission Espiritu Santo played in helping to shape American history!
Jul
4
1:00p
End Date
Old School Ink Making
Lockhart State Park
Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was written and signed using oak gall ink? Join us this Fourth of July to make ink from oak galls, just like they did 250 years ago. Then, try the ink for yourself!
Jul
4
1:00p
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jul
4
1:00p
End Date
Jul
4
2:00p
End Date
Art In The Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Join us for an all-ages & all-ability levels arts & crafts workshop (cap at 25 people).
Jul
4
2:00p
End Date
Jul
4
2:00p
End Date
Battle of the Birds
South Llano River State Park
We may disagree on our favorite symbolic birds, but we can work together to secure their future!
Jul
4
2:00p
End Date
Tales in Trees: The Story of the Bois d'Arc Hike
Bonham State Park
Come and join us for a hike that unfolds the story of the Bois d'Arc Trees in Bonham State Park that endures for generations!
Jul
4
2:00p
End Date
Constitution To Nature
Bastrop State Park
Wasps helped write the Constitution? Find out how during this interactive activity!
Jul
4
2:00p
End Date
Red, White, and Bluebirds
Daingerfield State Park
Celebrate America250 by learning the birding basics with a park ranger and searching for colorful birds!
Jul
4
3:00p
End Date
Constitution to Nature
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Write your own constitution to nature using ink made from oak galls!
Jul
4
3:00p
End Date
Red, White, and Blue Scavenger Hunt
Lockhart State Park
Search for red, white, and blue items in nature, and win a prize! Pick up your scavenger hunt card any time between 3-3:30pm.
Jul
4
4:30p
End Date
Jul
4
7:00p
End Date
CCC Dance and Celebration
Caddo Lake State Park
Step back into the 1930's to celebrate this extra special Fourth of July with us in the historic CCC Rec Hall!
Jul
4
8:30p
End Date
Red, White, and Blue Night Hike *Registration is Recommended
Inks Lake State Park
Join us on a Patriotic and colorful Night Hike along lake trail as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday
Jul
4
8:30p
End Date
Star Spangled Sky (RSVP Required)
Mother Neff State Park
Celebrate the United States 250th birthday with a unique Star Party, exploring history in the sky.
Jul
4
8:45p
End Date
Light Painting
Cooper State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Instead of lighting fireworks, create light art!
Jul
4
9:00p
End Date
Jul
4
9:30p
End Date
Star Spangled Skies
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Celebrate America's 250th Birthday under the stars!
Jul
5
9:00a
End Date
America's Potluck! Dutch Oven 101
Cooper State Park - South Sulphur Unit
America's Potluck is an opportunity for neighbors to join one another to share a communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging and fostering interactions among people from all walks of life. You're invited, as we celebrate America 250.
Jul
5
10:00a
End Date
Tree Stories
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Every tree has a tale to tell. Explore the life cycle of trees and hear the story of a remarkable oak that may be as old as the U.S.A.
Jul
5
1:00p
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jul
5
1:30p
End Date
America's Potluck! Dutch Oven 101
Cooper State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
America's Potluck is an opportunity for neighbors to join one another to share a communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging and fostering interactions among people from all walks of life. You're invited, as we celebrate America 250.
Jul
6
10:00a
End Date
Celebrate America's 250th with the Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Davis
Fort Davis, TX - Fort Davis National Historic Site
The Buffalo Soldiers are headed out to Fort Davis to help celebrate America's 250th Birthday!
Jul
10
8:00a
End Date
Dutch Oven Cooking - Taste of American History
Purtis Creek State Park
Join us this month for a special demo featuring foods from early American History to celebrate America 250!
Jul
11
9:00a
End Date
Coffee with the Birds - Birds Hike
Lake Whitney State Park
Start your morning off right with a peaceful bird hike and some fresh conversation about the language of bird song! Join Ranger Lory as she guides you on a relaxing hike where we'll listen to the morning chorus and talk about the fascinating language of bird song.
Jul
18
9:00a
End Date
Story Book on the Trail: Summer Color!
Lake Whitney State Park
Take a stroll, enjoy the sunshine, and discover a bright and cheerful summertime story! Join us behind HQ's office as we explore "Summer Color!" a vibrant adventure that celebrates all the colors and excitement of the season. Families of all ages are invited to walk the trail, read together, and enjoy the beauty of summer.
Jul
18
3:00p
End Date
Art in the Park - History in Ink
Purtis Creek State Park
Make art with the same ink the Founding Father's used to write and sign the Declaration of Independence!
Jul
18
8:30p
End Date
Star Spangled Skies
Purtis Creek State Park
Meet us under the stars and explore the cosmos with star stories from early American history!
Jul
25
9:00a
End Date
Ranch Life Hike
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Join a ranger to learn more about the ranching heritage of Lost Maples State Natural Area!
Jul
25
10:30a
End Date
Crafts with a Ranger at Lake Whitney State Park
Lake Whitney State Park
Join us for a fun, hands-on day of creativity and nature-inspired crafting! We'll be hosting TWO craft sessions behind HQ's office. Come make something memorable, learn a little about nature knowledge along the way, and enjoy a relaxing time outdoors with family and friends.
August 2026
Aug
1
2:00p
End Date
Art In The Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Join us for an all-ages & all-ability levels arts & crafts workshop (cap at 25 people).
September 2026
Sep
5
2:00p
End Date
Art In The Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Join us for an all-ages & all-ability levels arts & crafts workshop (cap at 25 people).
Sep
18
5:30p
End Date
Writing the US Constitution: What is an Oak Gall?
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Our Founding Fathers used oak gall ink to write and sign the US Constitution on September 17, 1787. What is a gall? And how do you turn it into ink? Come find out!
October 2026
Oct
3
2:00p
End Date
Art In The Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Join us for an all-ages & all-ability levels arts & crafts workshop (cap at 25 people).
Oct
30
7:00p
End Date
Haunted History Hike (Registration Required)
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Come hike and hear the haunting tales of the hills in Palo Pino Mountains State Park!
Oct
31
7:00p
End Date
Haunted History Hike (Registration Required)
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Come hike and hear the haunting tales of the hills in Palo Pino Mountains State Park!
November 2026
Nov
7
2:00p
End Date
Art In The Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Join us for an all-ages & all-ability levels arts & crafts workshop (cap at 25 people).
December 2026
Dec
5
2:00p
End Date
Art In The Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Join us for an all-ages & all-ability levels arts & crafts workshop (cap at 25 people).