Texas Travel Alliance (TTA) named Texas State Parks the 2023 Heritage Award winners Oct. 17 at the annual Texas Travel Summit. Past recipients of this award include the Dallas Cowboys, Southwest Airlines and Landry’s, Inc. “Texas State Parks exemplifies all aspects of the criteria set forth in the TTA Heritage Award,” said Erika Boyd, President and CEO of TTA. “Their contributions to the travel and tourism landscape in Texas are numerous and reach to all […]
Texas State Parks
Texas State Parks Recognized Among the Nation’s Best
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) along with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration have selected Texas State Parks as a finalist for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. “I’m proud to have the hard work of our Texas State Park staff recognized for building one of the best state park systems in the country,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “It is […]
Seven Tips to Stay Safe During the Summer Heat
The dog days of summer have certainly arrived, and with the soaring temperatures Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans enjoy time outdoors safely. Last year, 47 state parks reported 141 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Since January 1, 77 heat-related incidents have already been reported, compared to 64 reported by this time last year. Here are the top seven heat hacks recommended for park visitors: Hydrate– It’s important to drink […]
Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation Continue…
Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church in Houston invites you to a monthly environmental education web meeting series whose theme in 2023 is Interconnection. Life’s Better Outside – Your Texas State Parks Sunday, July 30, 6 p.m. central, online Join Lisa Reznicek of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) for a discussion of how you can connect to Texas State Parks. We know many ways humans are happier, healthier, and smarter for playing outside. TPWD […]
Celebrate Texas State Parks’ 100th Birthday with Statewide S’mores Party May 13
Get out the graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows May 13, and head to one of 80 Texas State Parks hosting our official 100th birthday party. Toast “100 s’more years” of outdoor fun with everyone’s favorite campfire treat. Participating parks offer events to introduce people of all ages and skill levels to the outdoors with s’mores-themed fun, from making solar-baked s’mores to a s’mores-themed star party. “I cannot think of a more fun and appropriate way […]
Stay Aware, Stay Safe During Water Safety Month in May
Summer’s scorching temperatures are just around the corner and, to most Texans, that means taking refuge in the water. May is National Water Safety Month, so the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds boaters to follow some simple, yet effective, safety precautions to prevent accidents and save lives. In 2022, 207 boating accidents occurred in Texas waters, resulting in 36 fatalities. Texas Game Warden Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement Cody Jones is confident that […]
April is Texas State Parks Month at Whole Earth Provision Co.
For the 12th year, Whole Earth Provision Co. will celebrate “April is Texas State Parks Month” by hosting a fund drive supporting Texas State Parks. The Texas-based travel, adventure and nature store will give all funds gathered at its six Texas store locations to help finance day-to-day operational expenses, including enhanced visitor programs, park trail maps and facilities maintenance. “Congratulations to our Texas State Parks for 100 years of providing Texans with places of natural […]
Celebrating 100 Years of Texas State Parks, Black History Month with Special Events Throughout February
After a January kickoff with record attendance at First Day Hikes across the state, Texas State Parks’ Centennial Celebration continues with a new round of special community events this month. In February, state parks in North Texas, East Texas, Huntsville and San Antonio will host a variety of events, including several that commemorate Black History Month. Everyone is warmly welcomed to join in the fun. At Ray Roberts Lake State Park in North Texas, find out how […]
Bullock Museum hosts art exhibit celebrating centennial of the Texas State Park System
Exhibition features paintings representing the diverse ecological regions of Texas Art of Texas State Parks opened at the Bullock Texas State History Museum on Saturday, January 7, featuring paintings commissioned to celebrate the Texas State Park System’s centennial. Art of Texas State Parks presents the diverse geography of Texas as interpreted by individual artists. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department commissioned thirty artists and tasked them with exploring and painting 65 parks, natural areas, and historic sites. Thirty-four […]
Texas State Parks Kicks Off 100-Year Birthday Celebration with First Day Hikes
Three, two, one … Happy Birthday, Texas State Parks! Park lovers everywhere are invited to help Texas State Parks begin celebrating 100 years Jan. 1 with a First Day Hike. Almost every Texas State Park will host ranger-guided and self-guided walks, bike rides, paddling trips and polar plunges in honor of the national initiative aimed at getting people outdoors. “Texas State Parks is excited to kick off our 100-year celebration with the most First Day […]