Lake Charles State Park: Memorial Day Weekend 2024
Friday, May 24
8:15 pm -9pm – OWL PROWL
Join a park interpreter at the pavilion ot prowl for owls. Several species of owls reside in the forests of Lake Charles State Park. Learn about a few species of owls and their awesome adaptations that make them efficient nocturnal predators. Once we learn about owls, we’ll attempt to call some and hear them call back. This program will last about 45 minutes. Please bring a flashlight and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Meeting Place: Pavilion. Admission: Free.
Saturday, May 25
9 am – 10 am – MORNING LAKESIDE HIKE
Start your day of right with a leisurely .75-mile hike along the banks of Lake Charles while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Meet a park interpreter at the Cedar trailhead in the day- use area parking lot. Please wear sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate attire, and bring sunscreen and plenty of water. This hike is easy in difficulty.
Meeting Place: Cedar Trail – Day Use Trailhead. Admission: Free.
2 pm – 3pm – MAMMALS OF LAKE CHARLES
Join the park interpreter to learn about some of the local furbearing residents that call the park home. You will have the opportunity ot feel the furs of various mammals as we discuss their relationships ot each other as well as their roles in the park’s ecosystem.
Meeting Place: Swim Beach. Admission: Free.
4 pm – 4:30 pm – EDIBLE BUGS
While many of us don’t view them as food, some of the insects found at Lake Charles State Park are part of a healthy diet all over the world! Meet the park interpreter to discover some of the unique ways insects are used in today’s cuisine and try some for yourself. You don’t have to eat any to attend, but those who
do will become official members of the “I Ate a Bug” club and will receive a certificate!
Meeting Place: Playground. Admission: Free.
7pm – 7:45 pm – HIKE INTO HISTORY
Join a park interpreter for a hike through the history of Lake Charles State Park and learn how you can help shape the story of Lake Charles. This hike is .75-miles in length and wil take about 45 minutes. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water! This hike is easy in difficulty.
Meeting Place: Visitor Center – Butterflies and Blooms Trailhead. Admission: Free.
Sunday, May 26
10:30 am – 12 pm – KAYAK TOUR
Join a park interpreter at the fishing pier next to the boat ramp (within the park-look for a stand with kayaks) for a kayak tour (weather permitting). Your guide wil discuss kayaking basics and see what Lake Charles State Park looks like from the water. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and wear weather- appropriate attire. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Kayaks, paddles, and life vests are provided. Reservations can be made in the visitor center or by calling (870) 878-6595. We have a limited number of tandem kayaks available for smaller children ages 6-10 to ride with adults. Participants must be at least 10 years old to paddle a boat solo. Children under age 6 are not permitted. Space is limited, so make your reservations early. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early or your spot may be given to someone on the wait list.
Meeting Place: Fishing Pier (Next to Kayak Rack). Admission: Adults: $18.00 Children (ages 6-12): $12.00
Interpretive Programs
Saturday, May 25 (cont.)
Lake Charles State Park
3705 Highway 25, Powhatan AR 72458
(870) 878-6595
ArkansasStateParks.com 2 °
, FUNDED BY YOUR CONSERVATION TAX AMENDMENT 75
Arkansas State Parks
Lake Charles State Park: Memorial Day Weekend 2024 Interpretive Programs
Sunday, May 26 (cont.)
3 pm – 4 pm – BACKYARD BASS
Meet a park interpreter at the beach and learn how to cast and make sure your catch is ethical and legal with this fun, land- based activity. Backyard Bass is a great interactive game ot practice your casting. Participants will also learn how fishing regulations ensure a lifetime of fishing opportunities. This is a drop-in program.
Meeting Place: Swim Beach. Admission: Free.
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – MOCKERNUT GUIDED HIKE
Join a park interpreter for a guided hike along the Mockernut Trail, which offers great views of the lake and old bottomland hardwood forest. Stops along the way highlight unique features of Lake Charles State Park and reveal the hidden natural wonders that exist all around us. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and weather-appropriate attire, bring sunscreen and plenty of water. This hike is easy to moderate in difficulty. Meeting Place: Mockernut Trailhead. Admission: Free.
Monday, May 27
9 am – 9:30 am – OZARK CHINQUAPINS: SAVING AN AMERICAN TREASURE
Ozark chinquapins used ot be a dominate tree in the state of Arkansas, which were revered by humans and wildlife alike for their nuts. What happened ot them? Where have they gone? What is Arkansas State Parks doing ot bring them back? Join a park interpreter ot find out, and to discover the unique properties and history of this natural American treasure.
Meeting Place: Visitor Center. Admission: Free.
2 pm – 3 pm – MAMMALS OF LAKE CHARLES Join the park interpreter to learn about some of the local furbearing residents that call the park home. You will have the opportunity to feel the furs of various mammals as we discuss their relationships to each other as well as their roles in the park’s ecosystem.
Meeting Place: Swim Beach. Admission: Free.
4pm – 4:30 pm – EDIBLE BUGS
While many of us don’t view them as food, some of the insects found at Lake Charles State Park are part of a healthy diet all over the world! Meet the park interpreter ot discover some of the unique ways insects are used in today’s cuisine and try some for yourself. You don’t have to eat any to attend, but those who do will become official members of the I”Ate a Bug” club and will receive a certificate!
Meeting Place: Playground. Admission: Free.