A century of Texas state parks is well worth celebrating. One hundred years ago, Gov. Pat Neff talked the 1923 legislature into the creation of the State Parks Board, an initiative that has stood the test of time and one that he felt was his greatest achievement. He said in 1925 that state parks would be a place where people "might go and forget the anxiety and strife and vexation of life's daily grind." Thanks to Neff's skills of persuasion and forward thinking, Texans will celebrate 100 years of state parks this year.
"The Texas State Park Centennial not only celebrates 100 years of Texas conservation, but it has national significance as well," Rodney Franklin, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's state parks director, said via email. "The National Park system was in its infancy 100 years ago, and many other state park systems were getting their starts around the same time. More than 100 years into the modern US conservation movement, Americans need public lands more than ever."
A yearlong calendar of events at 89 parks will kick off Jan. 21 at Meridian State Park. The state parks department will have basic angler education followed by dancing at the Refectory. The day will wrap up with a night sky program. In honor of the Texas State Parks Centennial Events, day passes to events will be free. However, visitors will still need to reserve their day pass online ahead of time. The initial event is followed by Kid Fish 2023 at Lake Corpus Christi State Park on Jan. 28. But the schedule doesn't end there. The state parks department has a fun-filled calendar throughout the year. And if you can't make an event, the parks hold plenty of wonder on their own.
Tyler State Park is a hidden northeast Texas paradise, with a 64-acre spring-fed lake and 13 miles of hiking trails. The wooded areas are filled with various pines that are home to over 200 bird species, including the pine warbler and the brown-headed nuthatch. Visitors can roam through the evergreen forests, jump in the lake for a swim, or sit on the shore to fish for bass, perch, crappie, or catfish.
Pedernales Falls State Park's main attraction is the cascading waterfall and the idyllic stair-stepped pools at Arrowhead Pool. The park, to the west of Austin, is a water lover's paradise with plenty of room for tubing, swimming, and wading. West Texas park visitors can check out Big Bend Ranch State Park. While it might be one of the more remote parks, it is full of canyons, mountains, and hiking trails—perfect for the wanderer who likes to enjoy nature in peace.
Near Houston, Brazos Bend State Park visitors can spend the day traversing the 37 miles of trails, surrounded by lush landscapes. There are areas for camping, picnicking, and playing games in one of the pavilions; just keep an eye out for alligators!
Take a look at the full centennial celebration calendar here.
