History & Culture
December 2023
Dec
8
10:00a
End Date
Desert Skills Hike
Davis Mountains State Park
Sharpen your survival skills on this easy, two-hour walk 'n' talk, as you encounter survival scenarios common in the Davis Mountains.
Dec
8
2:00p
End Date
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).
Dec
8
5:30p
End Date
Fireside Chat
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Gather round the fire and join Ranger Stahr to discover what makes Big Bend Ranch State Park so unique!
Dec
8
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
8
6:00p
End Date
Winter Wonderland - Christmas in the Park - A Drive Through Experience
Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and kick off the holiday season with a visit to Cooper Lake State Park. Join us for a beautiful view as you drive through nature and decorated campsites!
Dec
8
6:30p
End Date
Sky Guide Hike
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Join our rangers for a quick stroll utilizing the SkyGuide App. We will view some of the constellations around us and listen to some of the legends we tell of them.
Dec
9
End Date
Huntsville Centennial Wrap-up - Cancelled
Huntsville State Park
🎉 Due to increase chance of Severe Weather, we are cancelling this Event.
Dec
9
9:00a
End Date
Saturday Honey Creek Nature Hike
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Experience the natural and cultural history of Honey Creek!
Dec
9
9:30a
End Date
Archery 101
Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
Try archery and learn a lifetime sport. **Registration is required, program limited to 12 participants. Ages 10 and up. More information given after registration.
Dec
9
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Dec
9
10:00a
End Date
Dec
9
10:00a
End Date
A Trek through the Eras: Tour of Las Cuevas
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Join Ranger Layla at Las Cuevas, to explore how this pictograph site has been used across time.
Dec
9
10:00a
End Date
Atlatl- Ancient Hunting
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Test your skills with the atlatl, an ancient hunting tool once used across the globe.
Dec
9
12:00p
End Date
Mistletoe: Pucker-up for a Parasite
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Pretty holiday decoration or destructive parasite? Join Ranger Izzy and discover the dark truths about a beloved holiday tradition.
Dec
9
2:00p
End Date
Mission History Tour
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy a guided history tour of Mission Espiritu Santo as you learn about life in and around the mission during the Spanish Colonial Era.
Dec
9
2:00p
End Date
Dec
9
5:30p
End Date
Native American Storytelling | Maíí dóó Yadiłhił - Coyote and the Universe
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Come join us for an evening of Native American storytelling with Alex Mares, who is of Diné and Mexican American descent.
Dec
9
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
9
6:00p
End Date
Winter Wonderland - Christmas in the Park - A Drive Through Experience
Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and kick off the holiday season with a visit to Cooper Lake State Park. Join us for a beautiful view as you drive through nature and decorated campsites!
Dec
10
9:00a
End Date
Sunday Honey Creek Nature Hike
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Experience the natural and cultural history of Honey Creek!
Dec
10
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Dec
10
10:00a
End Date
Atlatl- Ancient Hunting
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Test your skills with the atlatl, an ancient hunting tool once used across the globe.
Dec
10
10:00a
End Date
Rain Deer: Art in the Park
Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Doe, a deer, a rain deer, we will paint. Join us for a morning of creative watercolor painting.
Dec
10
1:00p
End Date
Rain Deer: Art in the Park
Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
Water color painting - all art supplies provided.
Dec
10
2:00p
End Date
Mission History Tour
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy a guided history tour of Mission Espiritu Santo as you learn about life in and around the mission during the Spanish Colonial Era.
Dec
10
2:00p
End Date
The Bows that Shaped Texas
Brazos Bend State Park
Come learn about how one nation changed Texan culture and history forever!
Dec
10
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
11
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
12
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
13
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
14
2:00p
End Date
First Peoples of the Davis Mountains
Davis Mountains State Park
Come hear about the various cultures that have inhabited the Davis Mountains long before the arrival of Fort Davis.
Dec
14
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
15
10:00a
End Date
Desert Skills Hike
Davis Mountains State Park
Sharpen your survival skills on this easy, two-hour walk 'n' talk, as you encounter survival scenarios common in the Davis Mountains.
Dec
15
2:00p
End Date
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).
Dec
15
2:00p
End Date
Goose Island Tram Tour (Registration Required)
Goose Island State Park
Join a ranger on a ride through the park to learn about the history and ecology that makes Goose Island unique.
Dec
15
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
16
9:00a
End Date
Saturday Honey Creek Nature Hike
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Experience the natural and cultural history of Honey Creek!
Dec
16
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Dec
16
10:00a
End Date
God's Eye Weaving
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Learn the history behind God's Eye crafts and create your own to take home!
Dec
16
2:00p
End Date
Mission History Tour
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy a guided history tour of Mission Espiritu Santo as you learn about life in and around the mission during the Spanish Colonial Era.
Dec
16
2:00p
End Date
Gems of the Universe
Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
The Geminids Meteor shower when and where to see them!
Dec
16
2:00p
End Date
Prehistoric Hunting - The Atlatl
Pedernales Falls State Park
How well can you use ancient technology to survive?
Dec
16
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
16
6:00p
End Date
Posada
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
🎉 Experience the holiday traditions of the borderlands at our annual Posada at Fort Leaton!
Dec
16
7:00p
End Date
Dec
16
7:00p
End Date
Cross Timbers Cowboy Christmas – Music & Poetry
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Bring the whole family to the Lone Star Amphitheater and experience Christmas cowboy style.
Dec
16
7:00p
End Date
Our Night Skies
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
What makes up our night sky? Is there more than meets the eye? Learn about the celestial bodies that make up the sky and the stories told about them.
Dec
17
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Dec
17
10:00a
End Date
Corn Husk Doll Ornaments
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Make a fun doll or ornament using corn husks and creativity!
Dec
17
1:00p
End Date
Kallison Ranch Hike
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Join us on a trip back in time with a short but beautiful hike to the historic Kallison Ranch complex.
Dec
17
2:00p
End Date
Mission History Tour
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy a guided history tour of Mission Espiritu Santo as you learn about life in and around the mission during the Spanish Colonial Era.
Dec
17
2:00p
End Date
Dec
17
5:30p
End Date
54th Annual Tree Lighting
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
🎉 Enjoy this special tradition started 54 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson.
Dec
17
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
18
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
19
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
20
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
21
2:00p
End Date
First Peoples of the Davis Mountains
Davis Mountains State Park
Come hear about the various cultures that have inhabited the Davis Mountains long before the arrival of Fort Davis.
Dec
21
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
22
10:00a
End Date
Desert Skills Hike
Davis Mountains State Park
Sharpen your survival skills on this easy, two-hour walk 'n' talk, as you encounter survival scenarios common in the Davis Mountains.
Dec
22
2:00p
End Date
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).
Dec
22
2:00p
End Date
Goose Island Tram Tour (Registration Required)
Goose Island State Park
Join a ranger on a ride through the park to learn about the history and ecology that makes Goose Island unique.
Dec
22
2:00p
End Date
Archeology in the Park: Field Session
Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Calling all amateur archeologists! This field session will teach you the methods that archeologists use to preserve the past.
Dec
22
4:00p
End Date
Winter Solstice Hike
Davis Mountains State Park
Celebrate the shortest day of the year on this evening hike up to the Keesey Canyon Overlook.
Dec
22
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
22
6:00p
End Date
Christmastime Constellations
Pedernales Falls State Park
Christmas decorations are great, but nothing beats the Christmas lights in the sky!
Dec
22
8:00p
End Date
Self-guided Stargazing - Ursid Meteor Shower
Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Take advantage of our dark park and watch for the Ursid Meteor Shower.
Dec
22
8:00p
End Date
Self-guided Stargazing - Ursid Meteor Shower
Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
Take advantage of our dark park and watch for the Ursid Meteor Shower.
Dec
23
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Dec
23
10:00a
End Date
Story of Saint Francis
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Learn the fascinating story of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order of friars who would cross the globe to convert Native Americans to Catholicism.
Dec
23
1:00p
End Date
The Bows that Shaped Texas
Brazos Bend State Park
Come learn about how one nation changed Texan culture and history forever!
Dec
23
1:30p
End Date
CCC Trail Hike
Lake Brownwood State Park
Join a ranger to learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps in our park!
Dec
23
2:00p
End Date
Atlatl
South Llano River State Park
Join a ranger and practice your ancient hunter and gather skills.
Dec
23
2:00p
End Date
Mission History Tour
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy a guided history tour of Mission Espiritu Santo as you learn about life in and around the mission during the Spanish Colonial Era.
Dec
23
3:00p
End Date
America's Forgotten Tea
Goose Island State Park
Learn about North America's only caffeine-producing shrub!
Dec
23
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
23
6:00p
End Date
Christmastime Constellations
Pedernales Falls State Park
Christmas decorations are great, but nothing beats the Christmas lights in the sky!
Dec
24
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Dec
24
10:00a
End Date
Candle Making
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
See how mission inhabitants kept the "lights" on with candle making!
Dec
24
11:00a
End Date
Hiking Through History
Pedernales Falls State Park
Join us on a hike through time, starting in modern history and hiking down to 300-million-year old fossils!
Dec
24
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
25
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
26
2:00p
End Date
Goose Island Tram Tour (Registration Required)
Goose Island State Park
Join a ranger on a ride through the park to learn about the history and ecology that makes Goose Island unique.
Dec
26
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
27
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
28
2:00p
End Date
First Peoples of the Davis Mountains
Davis Mountains State Park
Come hear about the various cultures that have inhabited the Davis Mountains long before the arrival of Fort Davis.
Dec
28
2:00p
End Date
Ancient Spear Throwing
Lockhart State Park
Join us to learn the basics of prehistoric hunting with an atlatl!
Dec
28
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
29
10:00a
End Date
Desert Skills Hike
Davis Mountains State Park
Sharpen your survival skills on this easy, two-hour walk 'n' talk, as you encounter survival scenarios common in the Davis Mountains.
Dec
29
2:00p
End Date
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).
Dec
29
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
30
9:00a
End Date
Saturday Honey Creek Nature Hike
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Experience the natural and cultural history of Honey Creek!
Dec
30
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Dec
30
10:00a
End Date
Origins of Hot Chocolate
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
A favorite winter drink has a surprising history! Learn how hot chocolate evolved from a cold and bitter drink into the sweet treat we enjoy today.
Dec
30
10:00a
End Date
Prehistoric Hunting - The Atlatl
Pedernales Falls State Park
How well can you use ancient technology to survive?
Dec
30
2:00p
End Date
Mission History Tour
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy a guided history tour of Mission Espiritu Santo as you learn about life in and around the mission during the Spanish Colonial Era.
Dec
30
2:00p
End Date
Nature Hike
Fort Boggy State Park
No local grocery store? The land provided many things for the settlers of Fort Boggy.
Dec
30
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
31
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Dec
31
10:00a
End Date
Native American Games
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Sometimes life for Native Americans was all fun and games!
Dec
31
2:00p
End Date
Mission History Tour
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy a guided history tour of Mission Espiritu Santo as you learn about life in and around the mission during the Spanish Colonial Era.
Dec
31
6:00p
End Date
History in Lights
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec
31
10:00p
End Date
New Year's Eve Honey Creek Nature Hike *Registration Required*
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the new year while on a hike with us!
January 2024
Jan
1
End Date
First Day Honey Creek Nature Hikes *Registration Required*
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Experience the natural and cultural history of Honey Creek on our First Day Hikes!
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike!
Cleburne State Park
Have you made your New Year's resolution? Life is Better Outside. Start the year off with a breath of fresh air! Come join us for a ranger-led hike to the beautiful and historic CCC Spillway!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Mile-High First Day Hike
Davis Mountains State Park
Start 2024 off on the right (or left) foot by joining us on our Mile-High First Day Hike.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike -- Hike and Learn About the CCC
Blanco State Park
Join us for a 1-mile hike to learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Company 854. We'll learn about the CCC and then leisurely hike around the park to see many of the CCC structures. There will be an option to extend the hike for those wanting a longer hiking experience.
Jan
1
11:00a
End Date
Ever Changing Hike
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
Ring in the new year with Ranger Stahr on a leisurely .6 mile hike!
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - Historic Carvings Walk
Big Spring State Park
Take in the views while taking a step back in time. Join us on a guided walk that highlights the park's unique overlooks and rock carvings.
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
Jan
6
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jan
6
1:30p
End Date
CCC Trail Hike
Lake Brownwood State Park
Join a ranger to learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps in our park!
Jan
6
2:00p
End Date
The Atlatl: A Hurl into the Past
Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Join Ranger Layla to discover how to use an atlatl and how it connects us to the past!
Jan
7
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jan
13
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jan
14
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jan
20
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jan
21
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jan
27
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jan
28
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
February 2024
Feb
3
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Feb
3
2:00p
End Date
The Atlatl: A Hurl into the Past
Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Join Ranger Layla to discover how to use an atlatl and how it connects us to the past!
Feb
4
10:00a
End Date
Track Talk
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
March 2024
Mar
2
2:00p
End Date
The Atlatl: A Hurl into the Past
Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Join Ranger Layla to discover how to use an atlatl and how it connects us to the past!
April 2024
Apr
6
2:00p
End Date
The Atlatl: A Hurl into the Past
Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Join Ranger Layla to discover how to use an atlatl and how it connects us to the past!
May 2024
May
4
2:00p
End Date
The Atlatl: A Hurl into the Past
Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Join Ranger Layla to discover how to use an atlatl and how it connects us to the past!