Spring Awakening — Adventure and learning bloom at Cooper Lake State Park in March

COOPER — As spring blooms across Northeast Texas, Cooper Lake State Park is excited to announce a vibrant array of outdoor programs at both the Doctors Creek and South Sulphur Units. These programs are designed to celebrate spring’s arrival and the much-anticipated Spring Break for schools. These offerings provide a perfect opportunity for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers to explore the wonders of the natural world through a series of thoughtfully crafted educational and recreational programs. Join us in celebrating the great outdoors and making lasting memories in the heart of Northeast Texas.

Doctors Creek visitors can delve into the fascinating world of local fauna with 'Skins and Skulls,' offering an intimate look at the mammals and reptiles of the park. The journey continues with 'Birding 101,' 'Wildlife Detectives,' and 'Amazing Arachnids,' among other captivating sessions aimed at forging a deep connection between participants and the park’s surrounding environment. Special events like 'Fishing with the Ranger,' 'Stargazing,' and 'Art in the Park' ensure a broad spectrum of activities, catering to all interests, from the serene to hands-on.

In tandem, South Sulphur springs to life with its own unique set of activities, including 'Kid’s Trout Fishing Day — Part 2,' 'Spider Sniffing,' and 'Luck of the Irish Archery Shoot,' promising memorable experiences for all age groups. Both park locations also emphasize self-guided learning and creativity with nature journaling and stargazing, and will host “Dutch Oven 101” for culinary enthusiasts.

March at Cooper Lake State Park heralds the rebirth of the forest, transforming the park into a spectacle of colors with redbuds and Mexican plums showcasing their stunning purple and white blooms, and spring flowers adorning the prairies and forest floor. This natural tapestry sets a picturesque backdrop for the park's diverse programs, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in nature's renewal.

Fishing enthusiasts will find spring an exceptional time to reel in a nice slab crappie, monster blue catfish, a stringer of bluegill, and shimmering rainbow trout! The park's 20-plus miles of trails beckon hikers to discover the unfolding beauty of spring at every turn. Camping shifts into high gear during March, with Spring Break marking one of the park's busiest and most exciting periods of the year. Cooper Lake State Park accommodates all camping preferences, from cabins and cottages, to shelters, water and electric campsites, and walk-in tent sites, ensuring a perfect outdoor stay for almost every visitor.

As we celebrate the arrival of spring and the myriad of activities it brings, Cooper Lake State Park stands as an enduring testament of the charm of nature and adventure. Whether you're angling for the catch of the day, exploring scenic trails, or enjoying a night under our dark skies, the park offers a sanctuary where the rejuvenating spirit of spring can be experienced in all its glory. YOU NEED THIS! Join us this season to make unforgettable memories in the heart of Northeast Texas, enveloped by the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

All programs are free with your entrance permit.

For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and also like our Facebook pages or call Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur Unit at 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek Unit at 903-395--

3100.