The total eclipse is just over the horizon and will be here on April 8. Cooper Lake State Park is completely sold out of day passes and campsites. If you can’t make it out to Cooper Lake State Park for the eclipse, don’t worry. There will be many more wonderful programs going on throughout the month of April. Our events this month are meant to celebrate the natural beauty and wonder found at Cooper Lake State Park.
The total eclipse on April 8 will be a once in a generation event that Texans from across the state will be able to see. At Cooper Lake State Park, we are currently sold out of day passes and campsite reservations. The whole eclipse will last just over two and a half hours beginning at roughly 12:26pm. Totality will begin at 1:43pm, reach maximum at 1:45pm, and end at 1:47pm.
Visitors at either unit can attend an eclipse preparedness activity to learn some tips and tricks for viewing the April eclipse. Other events include Art in the Park, supplies will be provided, and nature will be your inspiration. There will also be a guided hike going down the Coyote Run Trail at South Sulphur and the Cedar Creek South Loop at Doctors Creek. There will also be Earth Day celebrations where you can come out and learn about pollinators and why they are so important.
South Sulphur will also be hosting an astronomy activity. We will have telescopes out to view a planet or two. Feel free to bring a lawn chair, binoculars, or a personal telescope!
Doctors Creek’s final event of April will be the returning Festival of the Fish! The festival is a celebration of the recreational sport of fishing and its impact on local communities. There will be information tables, activities like backyard bass and fishing with the ranger, and some fishing poles and tackle will be available to be lent out. It will be a great event to bring out the kids where they can catch their first fish!
The spring season brings nature to life and there is no better place to get in touch with it than Cooper Lake State Park! The wildflowers are already starting to bloom, and songbirds will migrate through the park during the month. A walk through the trees at South Sulphur will help anyone working their way through the birding check list. Going through the trails at Doctors Creek will give you glimpse of the past native Texas prairies.
Fish are biting and you can catch them at many locations like the Bluebonnet area at Doctors Creek and Heron Harbor area at South Sulphur. Don’t have a rod and reel? No worries, you can rent one for free at headquarters at both park units.
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 like our Facebook pages r call Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur unitat 903945-5256 or Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek Unit at 903-395-3100.
Doctors Creek Unit
Saturday, April 6
Are You Ready for the Eclipse? – 10 a.m. Meet at the Pelican Point Pavilion. Discuss sun safety, tips, and tricks for viewing the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
Sunday, April 7
Art in the Park – 10:30 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Calling all artists! All art supplies provided. Nature is our inspiration.
Monday, April 8
Total Solar Eclipse! Join us as we marvel at the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Must have a pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation. Present your pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation at the gated entry.
South Sulphur Unit
Friday, April 5
Astronomy – 8 p.m. Meet at the far north end of the Gulls Bluff fishing parking lot. We’ll have the telescopes out to view a planet or two. Dress for the weather, bring a lawn chair and binoculars if you have them.
Saturday, April 6
Are You Ready for the Eclipse? – 2 p.m. Meet at the Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Discuss sun safety, tips, and tricks for viewing the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
Sunday, April 7
Art in the Park – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Calling all artists! All art supplies provided. Nature is our inspiration.
Monday, April 8
Total Solar Eclipse!! Join us as we marvel at the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Must have a pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation. Present your pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation at the gated entry.