Kanawha State Forest – 2/13 – GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT & HIKE
Join naturalist Sara Miller at the nature center (pool parking lot) at 10:00 a.m. Hot drinks will be provided. The morning's bird watching will begin with a 15-20 minute Great Backyard Bird Count feeder watch near the pool building, after which all are welcome to participate in a GBBC hike. The hike will be approx. 2 miles, easy to moderate. Bring binoculars, warm clothes as needed, and a bird guide if you have one! The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy. The activities engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Visit gbbc.birdcount.org to learn about the national involvement. Find more events at WVs state parks at wvstateparks.com
Blennerhassett Island State Park – 2/7 – WINTER LECTURE SERIES
Winter Lecture Series: "Grave Creek Mound". The 2016 Winter Lecture series is every Sunday in February. Andrea Keller and Heater Cline are February 7th guest speakers. These history presentations are educational programs featuring speakers and first-person interpreters on a variety of Ohio Valley / W.Va. topics. The four-week series consists of Sunday afternoon programs beginning at 2:00 p.m. the Blennerhassett Museum. Parking is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required for the lecture series. There is a small cost to the attend the lectures: the cost to attend the lecture series is $5.00 per lecture for non-Friends of Blennerhassett Members and $4.00 per lecture for Friends of Blennerhassett members. Please make reservations for the individual lectures you would like to attend or you can sign up for all four. To reserve your seat for history, call 304-420-4800. Find Lecture Series events and more special programs at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park on the weblink below.
Coopers Rock State Forest – 2/6 – WINTERFEST
The 5th annual Coopers Rock WinterFest will be held on Saturday, February 6th, 2016, from 10:00 until 4:00. The festival will be located at and near the Day Use Parking Lot and Front Gate, ¼ mile from the Coopers Rock I-68 Exit. Almost all events are located in, or start and finish at, the main festival area. Visit the Registration & Information Table, front and center as you drive up to the Day Use Parking Lot and Front Gate, to find out exactly where everything is located and any other questions. A full list of activities from Snowball Target Range and Guided Snowshoe Hikes to a Women's Frying Pan Toss is part of the day fun. Click the link below for full details.
Tygart Lake State Park – 2/27 – MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
Murder Mystery Dinner! A body is found and the killer is on the loose, mingling and hiding among other guests. Can you solve the murder and find out who is the killer? Overnight package with room, mystery and dinner and walk-in package with mystery and dinner only available. Murder and Merriment providing mystery and show. Who dunit? Who knows! Call for pricing and reservations. 304-256-6144
Tygart Lake State Park – 2/19 – CREATIVE WRITING WEEKEND
Creative Writing Weekend. A creative writing weekend with WVs own, instructor Colleen Anderson is a special weekend and time. Open to men, women and students ages 16 an older, this annual weekend is a must. Starting Friday evening and concluding Sunday. The weekend workshop includes two nights at Tygart Lake Lodge, the full workshop with Colleen Anderson and these meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Saturday; Breakfast on Sunday; snack time on Friday evening; and twice on Saturday. What a great idea! Meals are at Apple Annie's - Tygart Lake Lodge restaurant. Call for reservations and pricing 304-265-6144 More weekend special events and offers are located on the Tygart Lake State Park webpages. Click the link below. See you at Tygart.
Tygart Lake State Park – 2/6 – HISTORICAL TYGART LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Historical Tygart Lake Photography Exhibit. Walk Through the Photos of the Past. View Army Corp of Engineer Photographs that depict the building of Tygart Lake Dam - an awesome construction project. Exhibit opening night is February 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the Tygart Lake Conference Room. Free and open to the public. Exhibit remains in place through February 11, 2016. Don't forget to make time to enjoy a meal at Apple Annie's - Tygart Lake Lodge restaurant. Great food. Wonderful setting.
Tygart Lake State Park – 1/30 – MY LITTLE PRINCESS PARTY
My Little Princess Party. It's an evening for a princess! Age appropriate themed crafts, a buffet designed for children, a princess dance (Princesses are encouraged to dress in their favorite party dress.) Stay overnight or enjoy the evening. Price is for two: one adult and one child. Overnight stay at Tygart Lake Lodge and all princess festivities: $94.50. Festivities only: $40 per couple (adult/child); additional child or additional adult: $20. Wonderful family setting. Call 304-265-6144 for reservations or to ask questions. Find more Tygart Lake State Park events at the park website link below.
Hawks Nest State Park – 2/13 – ROMANCE! A TRIBUTE TO RED SKELTON
Romance! A Tribute to Red Skelton. "His humor, His sorrow, With the Greatest Respect" A family friendly comedic act that "takes you back in time" to the nostalgic era. Laugh and be entertained by one of the top-rated Red Skelton impersonators, Jennings Barrett from Kentucky. Entertainment for all ages! In the words of the famous Red Skelton "Goodnight and May God Bless" This is a Valentine retreat package that includes candy, flowers, dinner, show, overnight stay, express breakfast, taxes and gratuities. Overnight package rate is for two adults at Hawks Nest Lodge $195 total for two people. It's a great price for a wonderful Saturday evening out on Valentine's weekend. For reservations call 304-658-5212. For more Saturday evening events at Hawks Nest State Park, click the website below. A great state park for winter getaways and awesome gorge views.
Hawks Nest State Park – 2/6 – A NIGHT OF ILLUSION
A Night of Illusion with John Slicer! Be entertained by nationally renowned magician John Slicer as he astounds audiences of all ages! The astonishing John Slicer is more than just a magic show. His captivating sleight-of-hand, interactive audience participation, and mind reading will leave you saying "How did he do that?" A magic and illusion spectacular for the whole family. Overnight package rate includes accommodations for two adults at Hawks Nest Lodge, Dinner and Show for two, an Express Breakfast for two, taxes and gratuities: $169 total for two people. It's a great price for a wonderful evening out. For reservations call 304-658-5212. Find more Saturday evening dinners and shows on Hawks Nest State Park website.
Hawks Nest State Park – 1/30 – HAWKS NEST TUNNEL DISASTER
Unburied Secrets! Don't miss this one-time presentation at Hawks Nest State Park! This powerful presentation by Jonathan Cavendish will transport you to the events leading up to the Hawks Nest Disaster. Growing up as the son of Stanley Cavendish, a Gauley Bridge native who was the project engineer for the construction of the Hawks Nest Tunnel, he will unfold tales from his childhood along with unseen historical photos. Tickets are $169 and overnight lodging for two on January 30 , presentation, dinner for two, and express breakfast for two and includes taxes and gratuities. Call 304-658-5212 x 1542 for reservations or to answer questions. More dinner/theater-shows-presentations at Hawks Nest State Park are posted to the park website. See below. Visit Hawks Nest. Enjoy an evening out.
Beech Fork State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
New Year’s Day is a perfect opportunity to start 2016 by connecting nature, engaging in physical activity and a healthy lifestyle all year long. Meet Assistant Superintendent Dillard Price at 9:00 a.m. at the the Overlook Trail entrance. We'll be hiking the Overlook Trail to explore the natural beauty of the area. Wear appropriate footwear and layer according to weather. No fee to participate. This hike can be used as logged mileage for the Chief's Challenge in 2016. First Day Hikes are scheduled and led by park naturalist or superintendents. Let's Hike!
Pipestem State Park – 1/22 – Primitive Bushcraft Weekend Workshop
For two nights and three days, learn the basics of primitive bushcraft skills that includes making cordage, establishing shelter, creating fire, foraging wild edibles, procuring & purifying water, land navigation, field sanitation and hygiene, fashioning tools, constructing traps and snares, preserving meat, preparing bannock and pemmican, bird/song identification, plant and tree identification and more. This is an reality adventure by day, relaxation by night. Experience by conducted by Forest Manna Outdoors. This high adventure event shares, sustains, preserves the primitive bushcraft skills associated with West Virginia's proud Appalachian history, heritage, and culture and enhance the diversity of outdoor recreational opportunities offered at West Virginia State Parks and Forests. Rate includes two nights at McKeever Lodge and all survival activities.
Blackwater Falls State Park – No Snow! Great Rate!
No Snow! means a great weekend rate at Blackwater Falls Lodge that includes dinner for two. No Snow nightly rate is available only for the nights of December 12, 13 and/or 14, 2015. The rate is $97 per night for any available room type. The rate also includes dinner for two in the Smokehouse Restaurant! Call (304) 259-5216 for details and to make reservations. This rate is only available the nights of December 12, 13, or 14. It does not include taxes or meal service gratuity. If winter time isn't you favorite travel time, take advantage of 'no measurable snow' and experience the season at Blackwater Falls State Park. The lodge is decorated for Christmas and holidays. The indoor pool is open. The scenery is wonderful.
Cacapon State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
Let New Year's Day be a perfect opportunity to start 2016 by connecting nature, engaging in physical activity, and promoting healthy lifestyles all year long. Meet at 10:00a at the Cacapon State Park Nature Center to begin exploring the natural beauty of the Ridge Trail. This trail is approximately 1 ½ miles with a few hills. Cacapon State Park is open year-round and features a lodge, restaurant, cabins and more. Learn about other events at Cacapon on the park website, Events/Deals tab. (First Day Hike miles can be used as earned miles in the 2016 Chief's (Hiking) Challenge.
Blackwater Falls State Park – CARDBOARD & DUCT TAPE SLED RACE
Every tool box has it! Duct Tape. Make a sled of cardboard and duct tape and bring to the Blackwater Falls for the third annual Duct Tape and Cardboard Sled Race. Design and construct a person powered, corrugated cardboard sled able to withstand the down hill fun on the Blackwater Falls sled run. Awards for best design and team spirit. This year's theme: Mystical Creatures. Visit the park website (click the website link) for race time and registration information.
Twin Falls State Park – TRACKING & WOODS LORE WEEKEND
Step back in time to the 18th century, when American Indians and European Americans lived closer to nature. Learn some of the skills that were necessary for everyday life, and learn of the cultural sharing that has made our modern lives richer. Enjoy nature, dram, tracking, and history in outdoor and indoor setting. Starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Bring warm clothes, sturdy footwear, camera, binoculars, and notepad to get the most out of this weekend. The workshop is definitely family friendly, with interest for ages from 5 years to over 55. We encourage scout groups (girls & boys) to use the workshop to help them earn certain merit badges and awards in themes of history, nature study, American Indian, Pioneer, woods lore, etc. Two classes are offered for WV Master Naturalist students as well; Tracking (4 hr. credit) and Medicinal/Edible/Useful Native Plants (3 hr. credit). Overnight accommodations are available in either Twin Falls Lodge or a Twin Falls vacation cabin. Package prices include lodging, Saturday dinner, break refreshments, and all event activities. Call for pricing. Make reservations to attend.
Wilderness Survival & Primitive Bushcraft Two Night Winter Workshop
For two nights and three days, learn the basics of primitive bushcraft skills that includes making cordage, establishing shelter, creating fire, foraging wild edibles, procuring & purifying water, land navigation, field sanitation and hygiene, fashioning tools, constructing traps and snares, preserving meat, preparing bannock and pemmican, bird/song identification, plant and tree identification and more. This is an reality adventure and experience by conducted by Forest Manna Outdoors. Fee based. Other dates include: February 5-7, March 4-6, and April 8-10, 2016
North Bend State Park – WINTER WONDER WEEKEND
Come for a weekend filled with activities for all ages. There will be hikes, games, contests, arts and crafts, and much more. Weekend package is fee based. Advance registration and reservation required.