There are a lot of fun things to do at Occoneechee State Park throughout the upcoming weekend.Hike through the woods, ride a bike, visit the museum, have a picnic, and enjoy these great programs along with many others:
Friday June 11th
3:00 PM – Adventure Rangers.Fishing 101. Participants will learn how to bait a hook and practice casting, then go fishing on Boat Ramp #2. Bait will be provided, and the park has a limited supply of fishing poles to borrow. Outdoor activities are rewarding for kids of all ages. Join our Park Interpreter each Friday afternoon this summer for a series of outdoor skills workshops. Attend 8 different programs (including other interpretive programs offered at Occoneechee) and earn an Adventure Ranger badge and certificate. All ages are welcome and parents are encouraged to participate with their child. Program fee is $3.00 for one program, or $10 for an Adventure Ranger pass that covers all 8 programs. Meet at the Visitor Center.
6:00 PM – Hayride.Join the Park Interpreter for a fun hayride tour of the park. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ride through the open air, and learn about the history of the park, the story of the Occoneechi, and the wildlife that call the park home. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Seating is limited so sign up in advance at the Visitor Center.
8:30 PM – Campfire 101.Do you know how to make a one match campfire? How about a no match campfire? It’s not as tricky as you may think. Join us as we build our campfire and we’ll show you the basics. Then you can stick around and join us for the Welcome Campfire program.Parking fees apply, but there is no additional fee for this program.Meet at the Indian Hut near Boat Ramp 2.
9:00PM – Welcome Campfire.Gather around a comfortable campfire and let us welcome you to Occoneechee State Park. Lear the fascinating story of the Occoneechi Indians for whom the park is named, listen to campfire stories and share your own favorites, and enjoy roasted marshmallows. Parking fees apply, but there is no additional fee for this program.Indian Hut near Boat Ramp 2.
Saturday June 12th
3:00 PM – Discover the world of squirrels in Gone Nuts. In this children’s program, participants will learn about the life of squirrels and make a neat craft to take home.Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Meet at the Visitor Center to participate in this fun craft.
6:00 PM – Canoe. Go canoeing around the shoreline of the park and the wildlife that call the park home. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Seating is limited so sign up in advance at the Visitor Center. No flip-flops please. Bring water. Life Jackets will be provided but you are welcome to provide your own.
9:00PM –Creatures of the Night.The forest at night is alive with activity, and these nocturnal creatures experience the darkness much differently than you and I. Join us as we experience their nocturnal world and conduct a few activities to understand how the senses of nocturnal animals allow them to live in darkness. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family.Meet us at Terrace Gardens near Campground B.
Sunday, June 13th
9:00 AM—Birding Canoe Trip. Go canoeing along the shoreline of the park and discover what birds call the park home. Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Seating is limited so sign up in advance at the Visitor Center. No flip-flops please. Bring water. Life Jackets will be provided but you are welcome to provide your own.
11 AM—Bird Feeders. In this children’s craft program, participants can make their own bird feeders with pinecones and peanut butter. (For guests that are allergic to peanuts an alternative craft is available). Program fee is $3.00 per person or $8.00 for the family. Meet at the Visitor Center to participate in this fun craft.
4 PM—Plantation Tour. Walk the Plantation Trail (1.2 moderate hike) and discover the interesting history of the Occoneechee Plantation. Parking fees apply, but there is no additional fee for this program. Meet us at Terrace Gardens near Campground B.
The whole family will enjoy getting outside and exploring the natural world, and learning about Native American history here at Occoneechee State Park.You will find camping, cabins and family lodges, and ample boat launching facilities here on Kerr Reservoir, Virginia’s largest lake. For more information or to make reservations call (800) 933-PARK (7275) or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.