Celebrate independence at Lake Charles

Summer is here and it’s time to celebrate our countries’ independence. People are excited to get outside, relax with family and friends and enjoy the weather. This 4^th of July, Lake Charles offers programming, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, wildlife viewing, self-guided kayak and canoe tours, swimming, and a Nature Center.  If your family is looking to spend a few days, we offer camp sites, a Rental RV, and a Rental Yurt which can all be reserved in advance by calling the park office at (870) 878-6595.

Lake Charles State Park Program Schedule – July 4^th - 7^th, 2013

Thursday, July 4^th

1:30p.m. - Our National Bird - Join a park interpreter in the Nature Center for a closer look at the American Bald Eagle and why it was picked to represent the United States of America.

4p.m. – Horseshoe Tournament – Join a park interpreter at the Horseshoe pits for a friendly Horseshoe toss tournament. No need to sign up, just show up and be ready to play. If you have never played before feel free to come learn. This will be open to beginners and experts alike. The pits are located between the swim beach and the playground.

Friday, July 5^th

9a.m. - Kayak Tour - Join a park interpreter for a guided lake tour via kayak. We’ll tour the lake and see wildlife that lives near the water. It should last about 1.5 hours. Seating is limited so sign up at Visitor Center. $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and under 6 is free when riding with an adult.

1:30p.m. – Tom, Jake, and Hen – Join a park interpreter in the Nature Center for a look at one of America’s most popular game birds, and learn why some thought it should have been our National Bird.

6p.m. - Lake Cruise - Come along with a park interpreter on the Pontoon boat for a tour of the lake. It is an excellent wildlife viewing and birding opportunity. It should last about 1 hour and seating is limited so sign up as soon as possible at the Visitor Center. $7 for adults, $3.50 for kids 6-12, under 6 is free.

Saturday, July 6^th

9a.m. - Lake Cruise - Come along with a park interpreter on the Pontoon boat for a tour of the lake. It is an excellent wildlife viewing and birding opportunity. It should last about 1 hour and seating is limited so sign up as soon as possible at the Visitor Center. $7 for adults, $3.50 for kids 6-12, under 6 is free.

1:30p.m. – Cold-blooded - Join a park interpreter in the Nature Center for a look at some of Arkansas’ reptilian tenants and why they are all important to the ecosystem.

6p.m. - Kayak Tour - Join a park interpreter for a guided lake tour via kayak. We’ll tour the lake and see wildlife that lives near the water. It should last about 1.5 hours. Seating is limited so sign up at Visitor Center. $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and under 6 is free when riding with an adult.

Sunday, July 7^th

8a.m. - Bird Watching Hike – Join a park interpreter for a hike along the Butterflies & Blooms Trail to do some bird watching.  Please bring along binoculars and bird guides if you have any, but they are not needed.

6:30 – Evening Hike – Join a park interpreter on the White Oak Trail for a hike. We’ll make our way down the trail towards the water’s edge and see some of the inhabitants of Lake Charles State Park.

Thursday, July 4^th to Sunday, July 7^th

1p.m.-3p.m. - Nature Center – Come down to the Nature Center and see the wildlife we have on display for the summer. A park interpreter will be on hand to answer any questions.

Lake Charles State Park is one of the 52 state parks administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The park offers camping, boat launch ramp, a standard pavilion, picnic sites, swim beach, nature center, playground, restrooms and 3 bathhouses on 645-acre Lake Charles. Along with the visitor center and gift shop, the park offers three nature trails and year-round interpretive programs.  For more information about park events contact the park at (870) 878-6595 or visit www.ArkansasStateParks.com.