Celebrate These Fourth of July Events at Ohio State Parks

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The summer is in full swing, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers free and fun events this July 4^th weekend! Slow down this summer and create some outdoor memories while enjoying a variety of family-friendly activities at any of Ohio’s 75 state parks.
 
Fireworks
 

• Fourth of July Fireworks at Grand Lake St. Marys – July 3, 10 pm. Rain date is July 4.
• Community Fireworks at Indian Lake –July 3, 10 pm.
• Thunder Monday at Hueston Woods – July 5, 5 pm. Cook-out and DJ from 5 pm – 10 pm. Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket. No coolers, drones, or pets will be permitted. Fireworks extravaganza at dusk.
• Buckeye Lake Area Star Spangled Tradition (BLASST) – July 2, 10 pm. Fireworks will be launched on the south side of the lake.
   

Events

• July 4^th Festival at Alum Creek – Campers can enjoy a decorating contest, a tie dye activity, a parade, and crafts.
• July 4^th Festival at Delaware – Campers can enjoy a decorating contest, a tie dye activity, a parade, and crafts.

Programs

• Alum Creek

Sat. July 3
Archery, 8-10am Join us at the Alum Creek Amphitheatre for breakfast and archery and take a shot. Learn how to shoot either compound or recurve bows. 
Nature Center Saturday 9 am-5 pm.

• Burr Oak

Sat. July 3
Wildflowers for Wildlife, 2 pm. Native wildflowers provide countless benefits for wildlife.  Come take a tour of the nature center gardens and learn how to create similar habitat at home!  Naturalist Julie will also share citizen science projects relating to this topic. Meet at the Nature Center.           
Sun. July 4
Mammals of Ohio, 2 pm. Get a close look at our common mammals by examining their furs and skulls during this informal program.  Meet at the Nature Center.
Nature Center Hours: Saturday 1-4 pm.

• Caesar Creek

Saturday, July 3
Canoe and Kayak Wildlife Excursion, 9am-11am. Meet at the Yak Shack near the Campground Boat Ramp. Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking. Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet. Length of excursions will vary. Equipment and instruction will be provided. Equipment is limited. First come, first serve. Weather dependent.
Stand-Up Paddle Board, 12:30pm-1:30pm.  Meet at the Yak Shack near the Campground Boat Ramp. Learn the basics of paddle boarding. Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet. Join us for a quick paddle out to ‘Sunset Island’. Equipment and instruction will be provided. Equipment is limited. First come, first serve. Weather dependent.
Nature Center Hours: Saturday 12-4 pm and Sunday 1-3 pm.

• Cowan Lake

Saturday, July 3
Canoe and Kayak Wildlife Excursion, 9am-11am. Meet at the Yak Shack near the Campground Boat Ramp. Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking. Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet. Length of excursions will vary. Equipment and instruction will be provided. Equipment is limited. First come, first serve. Weather dependent.
Stand-Up Paddle Board, 12:30pm-1:30pm.  Meet at the Yak Shack near the Campground Boat Ramp. Learn the basics of paddle boarding. Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet. Join us for a quick paddle out to ‘Sunset Island’. Equipment and instruction will be provided. Equipment is limited. First come, first serve. Weather dependent.
Nature Center Hours: Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12-6 pm.

• Hueston Woods

Saturday July 3
Wildlife Invasion, 11 am. Meet at the Lodge for a close look at Ohio’s wildlife. 
Creeking Expedition, 1 pm. Meet at the Nature Center to explore what creatures can be found in one of the park creeks.  Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.  Bring your vehicle; we will drive to the creek. 
Ohio Raptors, 3 pm. Meet at the Nature Center to get a close look and learn about some of our resident birds of prey. 
Fox Talk, 4 pm. Meet at the Nature Center to dive into the world of a fox.  Meet our resident red foxes and learn about their curious habits and interesting life stories. 
Reptile Show, 5 pm. Meet at the Nature Center for an up-close look and discussion about our native, scaly residents.  
Hooked on Fishing, 7 pm. Meet at the Marina to try your luck at casting a line.  Bait and tackle are provided but limited. 
Sunday July 4
Archery, 10 am. Meet at the Archery Range to learn the art of the bow. 
Kayak Excursion, 1 pm. Meet at the Marina to learn kayaking basics and then take a guided trip on Acton Lake.  Space is limited.  Sign up begins at the Marina at 10 am on Sunday. 
Nature Center Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm.

• Lake Hope

Sunday July 4
Red, White, and Bluebirds, 9 am. Meet at the Nature Center. Discover what kinds of birds live around lake hope and where they prefer to build their nests. Then help the naturalist check for cavity nesters around the nature center.
Archery, 10 am. Meet at the Archery Range to learn the art of the bow. 
Kayak Excursion, 1 pm. Meet at the Marina to learn kayaking basics and then take a guided trip on Acton Lake.  Space is limited.  Sign up begins at the Marina at 10am on Sunday. 
Hungry Hummingbirds,1-3 pm. Meet our Naturalist at the nature center to hand-feed ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Nature Center Hours: Saturday 1-4 pm.

• Marblehead Lighthouse

July 3 and 4- Tours every 20 minutes from noon to 4 pm.

• Maumee Bay

Saturday July 3
Campground Creature Feature, 6:15 pm. Take a walk on the wild side and learn about fascinating Ohio wildlife in this fun and family-friendly program. Meets at the Campground Shelter House.
Sunday July 4
Owl Tell You What, 1 pm. Love owls? Want to learn more about them? Join Naturalist Lauren at the Nature Center to learn more about our native species and get a close encounter with Annie our Eastern Screech Owl.
Nature Night, 4:15 pm. Ever wonder what animals roamed the wilds of Ohio? Or lurked in the Great Black Swamp? Swing by the Lodge to find out, and see some skins, skulls and snakes!
Nature Center Hours: Saturday 10 am-5 pm.

• Mosquito Lake

Saturday July 3
All About the Birds, 6pm. Meet at the Beaver Trail trailhead near the campground boat ramp parking lot. We will be discussing our rare Prothonotary Warbler that calls the lake its home. Steve Craiger will be joining us to explain how he and others helped to lure these beautiful birds to the area. There is a great chance that we might see a few so bring your camera.
Bluebirds and Tree Swallows, 7pm. Meet at the amphitheater where we will be joining up with Theresa Craiger. She is a volunteer in charge of our nesting Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. We will hike around, learn about the birds, and check on the nest boxes.
Sunday July 4
Lake Stomp, 6pm. Meet in the parking lot next to the beach in the main park for one of our more popular programs. We will be wading around the shoreline with nets to see what interesting critters we can catch and identify. Bring some old shoes and plan on getting wet. We will be in the water. This program is great for all ages, including adults.
Microscope Program, 7 pm. Meet at the amphitheater after the lake stomp and we’ll see what some of the little critters we catch look like under a microscope.

• Mt. Gilead

Saturday July 3
Nature Hike, 11 am-1 pm Meet at the Nature Center to take a short hike along one of our trails! Water and comfortable hiking shoes are recommended.
Nature Center Hours: Saturday 12-3 pm, Sunday 10 am-1 pm.

• Nelson Kennedy Ledges

Sunday July 4
Rocks and Ledges Hike, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm. Take a two-hour hike with educational commentary on the geology, ecology, and history of Nelson Ledges State Park. Proper foot attire must be worn as the trails can be difficult to traverse due to mud, uneven terrain, and slippery rocks. No flip flops worn on the hike. There is also no potable water at the park so plan accordingly, no glass bottles allowed on the trails. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Meet at the parking area located at 12440 Nelson Ledge Road, Garrettsville, OH, 44231. 

• Pike Lake

Saturday July 3
Archery 101, 4 pm. Meet at the Nature Center for some safety instructions followed by some range time.  Participants should be able to pull a 20-pound bow.   

Kayaking, 6 pm. Come and learn the basics of safe kayaking (ages 7 and up) Meet at the Nature Center 

Animal Talk at the Nature Center, 8 pm.  Learn about the wild residents of Pike Lake. 

Nature Center Hours: Saturday 12-3 pm.

• Portage Lake

Saturday July 3
Kayaking, 11am-noon. Join the Naturalist for a morning paddle on the lake to discover the nature of the lake. Meet at the beach in Portage Lakes State Park. Space is limited to 5 people, so please register by calling: 330-402-6919. Kayaks, and PFD’s will be provided.  

• Salt Fork

Saturday July 3
Hosak’s Cave, 11 am. Meet at the Hosak’s cave parking lot for a ¼ mile hike to this unique geological landmark.
Canoe Excursion, 6 pm. Pre-register at the camp check-in for a free canoe excursion. Meet at Hosak’s Cave Parking lot. Wear clothes/shoes that can get wet.
Sunday July 4
Creeking, 11 am. Meet at the Stonehouse Trail Parking Lot (not the Stonehouse Museum) and go in search of creek critters. Wear clothes/shoes that can get wet and muddy.
Nature Center Hours: Saturday 10-5 pm, Sunday 12-6 pm.

• Scioto Trail

Saturday July 3
Featured Creatures, 6pm. Meet Naturalist Amy at the Camp Store to get up close and personal with some of Scioto Trail’s reptile friends.
Salamander Stalking, 6:30 pm. Meet at the Camp Store to explore the woods and creek in search of salamanders and other cool aquatic creatures.
Chipmunk Chomp,7:30 pm. Bring your little ones down to the General Store to learn all about the amazing world of Chipmunks while playing some fun interactive games.

• Shawnee

Saturday July 3
Trail Trek, 9 am. Meet at the Nature Center to explore one of the beautiful trails in the region. All ages and abilities welcome.
Nature Center Hours: Saturday 12-3 pm.

• West Branch

Saturday July 3
Kayak Tour, 11 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm. Join the park naturalist on a relaxing and educational kayak tour of Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir, discussing the ecology and history of the state park. All skill levels welcome, life jackets must be worn at all times, and guests are asked to wear closed toed shoes. Groups are limited to five participants; signup sheets are at the Campground store. It is recommended that participants wear comfortable clothing, bring plenty of water, and sunscreen. Meet at the campground boat ramp.  

• Wingfoot Lake

Saturday July 3
Bobcats, 2 pm. What are these elusive wildcats up to? Join the Naturalist to learn more about the wild cat that is making a comeback in the Buckeye State. Meet at the Nature Center. 
Kayaking, 4 pm. Come join the Naturalist to try out kayaking; all equipment will be provided. This is a fun activity for the whole family! Meet at the park office. Space is limited to 5 people, so please register by calling: 330-402-6919. 
Sunday July 4th
Wildlife Discovery, 4pm. Meet the Naturalist at the Nature Center to learn about the wildlife that call Ohio home, we will take a closer look at pelts, skulls, and scat to learn more about the animals of Ohio. 
Nature Center Hours: Saturday and Sunday 11 am-6 pm.

Lodge Events

Burr Oak:

• July 2, Noon – 8 pm, Smokehouse Special in the Cardinal Dining Room. 2 pm Reptiles Around Us, meet at the nature center. 8:30 pm Twilight Stroll, meet at the lodge lobby.
• July 3, Noon – 8 pm, Smokehouse Special in the Cardinal Dining Room. 2 pm Wildflowers for Wildlife, meet at the nature center. 5:30 – 7:30 pm Flotilla Lake Float on the lake.
• July 4, Noon – 8 pm, Smokehouse Special in the Cardinal Dining Room. 2 pm Mammals of Ohio, meet at the nature center.

Deer Creek:

• July 3-4, Golf Course Specials, Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals, Boat/Pontoon Rentals at the Marina.

Hueston Woods:

• July 2-4, 6 am, Golfing Tee-Times start (513) 523-8081. 5:30 – 9 pm BBQ Dinner Specials.

Maumee Bay:

• July 2 – Scavenger Hunt, Kids Crafts & Games, Movie & Popcorn.
• July 3 – Tie Dye T-Shirt making, Kids Games, Face Painting, Movie & Popcorn.
• July 3 – Scavenger Hunt, Kids Crafts & Games, Face Painting, Movie & Popcorn.
• July 3-4– Bicycle and Canoe Rentals.

Mohican:

• July 2, 3–9 pm, Scavenger Hunt, go to the front desk for details. 5-9 pm Dinner Features in Bromfield’s Dining Room.
• July 3, 8 am – 4 pm, Classic Car Show in historic Loudonville. 5-9 pm Dinner Features in Bromfield’s Dining Room. 6-10 pm DJ on the patio. 7 pm Birds of Prey in the upper lobby.
• July 4, 5-8 pm, Dinner Features in Bromfield’s Dining Room. 6-9 pm Live music on the patio: Just Jazz. Dusk fireworks in historic Loudonville.

Punderson:

• July 2 – Live music on the patio from 6-9 p
• July 4 – Breakfast Buffe
• July 3-4 – Rib Specials in the dining roo

Salt Fork:

• July 2 – 4, Replicas of Rudy Wendelin’s original paintings of Smokey Bear are on display in the lobby. 11 am – 10 pm BBQ specials in Timbers Restaurant. All-day menu specials at the Sugartree Marina.
• July 2 – 3, 7 pm, Midwest Comedy Tour in the ballroom. $20/ticket. Food and drink specials will be available.
• July 2, 7 – 10 pm, Live music featuring E. Wade Rodriguez in the Wildlife Lounge.
• July 3, 9-11 pm, Boat-In Movie at Salt Fork Marina.
• July 4, Noon – 2:30 pm, Barefoot McCoy poolside music.
• July 4, Noon – 4 pm, Cookout plus free hot dog for kids 12 and under with the purchase of an adult meal at Sugartree Marina.

Shawnee Lodge:

• July 2, All-you-can-eat catfish, Daily drink feature – summer bomb poo, Ice Cream Social (6pm), Marshmallow Roast.
• July 3, Prime Rib and Smokehouse Sampler, Daily Drink Feature – Rockin’ Raspberry Lemondate,Ice cream Social (6 pm), Mothman Acoustic (7 pm), Marshmallow Roast (8 pm).
• July 4, 9:30 am, Yoga with Laura.
• July 4, Daily Drink Feature Wtermelon Margarita, Marshmallow Roast (8 pm).