September Events: Explore Texas State Parks
The Texas landscape changes dramatically from the Gulf to the Panhandle and from the Hill Country to the desert. And the best way to experience Texas’ wide variety of flora and fauna up close is at our many state parks. These September events are a great excuse to hit the trails with your family while the weather is nice and learn a bit about our wildly beautiful state from rangers and volunteers.
Central Texas
Honey Creek Saturday Morning Nature Hike, Sept. 7, Spring Branch
The Honey Creek State Natural Area is a spectacular slice of our state’s natural and cultural history. Meet at the Rust House inside the park to join families gearing up for the two-and-a-half-hour hike. Due to rocky trails and tall vegetation, the park suggests wearing closed-toe shoes and long pants. Bring water and a hat but leave Fluffy at home — no pets are allowed in the park.
Park admission is free for children under 12 and $7 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass. There is a requested donation of $2 per person to the Friends Group.
Inks Lake Star Party!, Sept. 28, Burnet
The stars at night are truly big and bright at Inks Lake State Park. Peer into the Austin Astronomical Society’s high-powered telescopes to behold breathtaking celestial sights. Bring chairs, blankets, and your own binoculars if you like. End the night on an extra sweet note with the purchase of a fresh Kona Ice.
Park admission is free for children 12 and under and $6 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass.
North Texas
Who Built the Park? The CCC and Hike, Sept. 14, Bonham
Creating a park takes a lot of work and dedication. Bonham State Park was built by an extraordinary group of Texans in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Hear from a park ambassador the story of how everyday people came together to preserve this precious natural landscape. Meet at the park headquarters by the flagpole. Bring water, comfortable hiking shoes, and sunscreen.
Park admission is free for children 12 and under and $4 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass.
Track Talk, Sept. 1, Glen Rose
Retrace the 113-million-year-old footsteps of some of Texas’ earliest inhabitants — dinosaurs! Join a ranger at the main track site to travel back in time and learn more about the namesakes of Dinosaur Valley State Park. No bones about it — you’ll want to don comfortable shoes.
Park admission is free for children 12 and under and $7 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass.
South Texas
Butterfly Walk, Sept. 1, Brownsville
South Texas is home to a rainbow of majestic butterflies. Experience many of them at once by taking a stroll through the butterfly gardens in Resaca de la Palma State Park. You can even see a few flying wonders that can only be found in the lower Rio Grande Valley. Capture the magic with your cellphone or camera and bring bug spray to repel less-ideal insects. Wear closed-toe shoes and tread lightly. Check in at the visitor center.
Park admission is free for children 12 and under and $4 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass.
Electric Tram Tour, Sept. 1, Weslaco
The electric tram at Estero Llano Grande State Park is a stupendous ride for nature-loving Texans and especially convenient for young children and adults with limited mobility. Step aboard one of the open, electric Bird Buses to see birds, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, and even alligators and bobcats around the lakes.
Park admission is free for children 12 and under and $5 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass.
East Texas
Bay Explorations, Sept. 1, Galveston
The calm waters between mainland Texas and Galveston Island are teeming with life. Join the naturalist guides of Galveston Island State Park to uncover the many species living along the bay. Meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. for a brief orientation before embarking on the 75-minute beach exploration.
Park admission is free for children 12 and under and $5 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass.
Volunteer Workday, Sept. 7, Lumberton
Two years after Hurricane Harvey, Village Creek State Park is still in need of volunteers to help recover their beloved nature trails damaged in the storm. You and your whole family can help get the park back into shape. The park will provide gloves and tools — all you need to bring are some helping hands. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Park entry fees are waived for volunteers.
West Texas
Nocturnal Critters Program, Sept. 21, Tuscola
After most Texans go to bed for the night, many critters at Abilene State Park are just waking up! Join the Big Country Master Naturalists on a short hike to spot some of these nocturnal creatures going about their business in the dark. Dress for the weather and — unless you have the night vision of an owl — bring a flashlight. Meet at the CCC building by the swimming pool.
Park admission is free for children 12 and under and $5 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass.
Being Buffaloed, Sept. 7, Quitaque
You’ve probably herd of American bison … but can you tell the females and males apart? Do you know whether they’re an endangered species? Is it “buffalo” or “bison” anyway? Come to Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway to get all your buffalo questions answered right on their home, home on the range.
Park admission is free for children 12 and under and $5 for adults or free with a Texas Parks Pass.
Branch out to Texas’ national parks with this guide.
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