Oct. 22, 2021

Texas State Parks Offer Up a Frightfully Good Time for Halloween

AUSTIN – Ghouls and goblins of all ages are invited to a variety of family-friendly Halloween-themed events at state parks across Texas that are guaranteed to provide a witchy good time. Activities range from educational conversations on creepy crawlies and nocturnal animals to pumpkin scavenger hunts along park trails. Anyone interested in finding an event in their area can visit the TPWD state park calendar for a list of spooky events and updates.

Oct. 15, 2021

McKinney Falls State Park Reopens Smith Visitors Center

AUSTIN— After closing its doors in 2013 due to extensive damage from the Halloween flood, the Smith Visitors Center at McKinney Falls State Park is now open. To commemorate the reopening of the building, the park will be hosting a series of guided programs on Saturday, Oct. 16.

Oct. 5, 2021

Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site Hosts 27th Annual Interpretive Fair Oct. 16, 17

EL PASO—  Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site invites the public to come celebrate its 27th Annual Interpretive Fair Oct. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will be free, and all park entry fees will be waived for the weekend.

Oct. 4, 2021

New Nature Center Opens at Ray Roberts Lake State Park Oct. 9

VALLEY VIEW – Ray Roberts Lake State Park is excited to announce the grand opening of a new Nature Center at the Johnson Branch of the park Saturday, October 9. The grand opening event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony followed by tours of the facility. The park is also waiving entrance fees for this special event.

Sept. 29, 2021

Catch the Buzz with Texas’ Sixth Annual Pollinator BioBlitz

AUSTIN — For the next two weeks, Texans are invited to take part in the sixth annual statewide Pollinator BioBlitz. The goal of the BioBlitz, which runs from Oct. 1-17, is to raise awareness of the diversity and importance of pollinators while bringing greater attention to the critical habitat needs of monarchs and native pollinators across the state.

July 30, 2021

Park Rangers Statewide Recognized for World Ranger Day

AUSTIN— Every year on July 31, World Ranger Day is an opportunity to take a moment to recognize the unwavering commitment towards park stewardship by the many park rangers at the 88 Texas State Parks that make up our state park system. Initially created by the International Ranger Federation, World Ranger Day celebrates the work park rangers do daily to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.

July 1, 2021

Six Tips to Beat the Heat Before Hitting the Trails at a Texas State Park

AUSTIN— Last year, as temperatures soared into the triple digits in Texas, staff at 39 Texas State Parks handled 132 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Now that the summer has officially begun and temperatures are steadily climbing, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is sharing their top six heat hacks for staying safe in the outdoors.

June 24, 2021

Join Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine’s Great Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Fun Summer Adventure

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine’s Great Outdoor Scavenger Hunt (GOSH) returns for another year of summer fun across Texas. Travel to various locations regionally or statewide, take a selfie and post it with the hashtag #GOSH2021. Discover history, wildlife, parks, waterways and quirky attractions — plus iconic Texas food stops as a “bonus” to enjoy along the way. The GOSH 2021 challenge ends at midnight on Labor Day, Sept. 6.

June 14, 2021

Balmorhea State Park Pool Reopens June 26

TOYAHVALE— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is excited to announce that the spring-fed swimming pool and day use area at Balmorhea State Park will reopen to the public on June 26. The pool and day use areas only will be open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes first. Light construction is still ongoing in the pool area, so the public is asked to remain vigilant.

June 8, 2021

State Park Police Celebrate 50 Years Protecting Texas’ Wild Places

AUSTIN— Since 1971, a special group of law enforcement officers have been responsible for the safety, security and protection of the natural jewels in Texas and those who visit them.  In 2021, Texas State Park Police celebrate a half-century of   serving these special places and the  10 million state park annual visitors.