Tennessee – As you make plans for the coming weekend, consider the recreational quality and outstanding value of Tennessee State Parks. From hiking to swimming to golfing to canoeing – most activities are free and there’s something for every age and ability.
Some upcoming Tennessee State Parks events are: Astronomy Weekends, Youth Fishing Rodeo, Appalachian Heritage Fair and more.
Finding a state park in your own backyard is easy to do and you don’t have to spend a lot of gas money to get there!
Here are just a few state park events in your area.
Fall Creek Falls (plateau)
Astronomy Weekends on June 7th and 8th
Set your sight to the stars during Astronomy Weekend! Join us for discussions regarding constellations, lunar lore, and our brightest star, the Sun. Telescope viewing will also be offered, weather permitting. Additional dates July 12th/13th and August 9th/10th.
For more information, email Lloyd Watkins at watkinslk@comcast.net, or visit www.CumberlandAstronomicalSociety.org.
Fort Pillow (west)
Youth Fishing Rodeo on June 8th
Come and go fishing with the staff at Fort Pillow during Tennessee’s free fishing day. All kids 10 and under can participate and win prizes. Registration will begin at 8:00am CT. For more information call 731.738.5581.
Bledsoe Creek (middle)
Free Fishing Day on June 8th
Come join us at the public boat launch area for a morning of free fishing. Bring your poles and special bait (some bait is available). Activities include tips from pro anglers, boater safety, crime prevention by the Gallatin Police Department, and the TWRA wildlife trailer will be available for viewing.
For more information call Sharon Armistead at 615.347.3639.
Davy Crockett Birthplace (east)
Appalachian Heritage Fair on June 8th and 9th
Join park staff and our Pioneer Friends Group for this 2-day event celebrating the traditional arts, crafts and music of our region. This event showcases local artisans and their handmade, traditional Appalachian style crafts, traditional flowers, herbs and local organic farmers. Local food vendors will be on hand.
For more information or to be considered as a craft or food vendor please contact: Dawn.Coleman@tn.gov. Saturday June 9th, 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday June 10th, 10:00am-4:30:00pm ET. For more information call 423.257.2167.
Meeman-Shelby Forest
Annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo on June 9th
On TWRA’s Free Fishing day there is no need for a license! Come to the Nature Center on 135-acre Poplar Tree Lake and register for the fishing rodeo. For ages up to 16 with limited help from adults. May use artificial and live bait. Bank fishing only. Registration starts at 7:00am CT. Weigh in at any time, final check-in and awards ceremony at 11:00am CT. Door prizes to all registered, trophies for largest, smallest and most fish.
For information call 901.876.5215.
About Tennessee State Parks
Tennessee’s 53 state parks and 81 natural areas offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families, or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free 1.888.867.2757.
For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.
