State Parks Getaways – December 2024

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sent this bulletin at 12/07/2024 06:30 AM CST
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Enchanted Rock Acreage Expanded

Comanche Rock, part of the new E-Rock property

Comanche Rock, part of the new acquistion

Enchanted Rock is one of the most beloved state parks, and due to our recent purchase of an adjacent ranch, there will be even more E-rock for you to love. 

The newly acquired 630 acres will expand opportunities for recreation while also protecting the natural and cultural resources near Enchanted Rock, including the dark night sky and Sandy Creek. 

Next steps will include requesting input from the public to determine recreational opportunities for the property. This may take many months to complete, but we'll keep you informed of upcoming milestones – including a potential opening date.

The acreage was purchased using funds from the Sporting Goods Sales Tax. “This land purchase would not have been possible without the help of our partners and the people of Texas,” said Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin.

Find out more in the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine story TPWD Buys 630 Acres Next to Enchanted Rock. 

Dutch Oven Chili for Chilly Campouts
Dutch oven covered in hot coals

Chili is the State Food of Texas and perfect for the chilly weather of winter. Have you tried making chili the cowboy way – in a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven is a cast-iron pot and lid, and it's perfect for camping. After adding ingredients to the pot, replace the lid and cover it in hot coals or put the whole thing in a fire.
Cheesy biscuits in a Dutch oven, top filled with coals, video link

Ranger John demonstrates how to make chili and cheesy bread together in the video Dutch Oven Chili Recipe. To see a Dutch oven demo in person, check out park Cooking Events.

For tips on keeping your Dutch oven in good shape, see the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine article Skill Builder: Cast Iron Care.

Bighorns Return to Franklin Mountains

Franklin Mountains' wildlife just got a lot more interesting. During the first week of December we released 77 desert bighorn sheep into the park, where they will live wild. 

Visit our Facebook and Instagram to see video of the release. Then make reservations to visit the park, and try be one of the first to get a photo of the new residents!

 Bighorn ram leaping with man in background, link

Native Peoples, Palo Duro Canyon and History

Kiowa Tribe member Warren Queton, video link

People have inhabited Palo Duro Canyon for about 12,000 years. Native peoples lived there until 1874 and the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon.

Earlier this year, we partnered with the Kiowa Tribe, the Comanche Nation, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and Texas Tech University to host a special dance commemorating the 150th anniversary of this battle. 

Listen as a member of the Kiowa Tribe describes the significance of Palo Duro Canyon to native peoples in the video 150 Years Later Reflecting on the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon with Warren Queton.

Holiday Ornament, Events & Gifts Galore
Old Tunnel ornament with bats, 2024

This year’s collectible ornament features the bats of Old Tunnel. It makes a great gift for all fans of nature, parks and the outdoors.

Feeling lucky? Head to our Instagram or Facebook and enter the giveaway to win this fun 2024 holiday ornament. 
Merchandise at SP store

The State Parks Store is full of other unique items sure to bring a smile to all the outdoors-lovers in your life, including you! 

We also offer a full sleigh of special holiday events you can enjoy alone or with all your holiday guests.

Chill Out Video: McKinney Falls in Winter

McKinney Falls with iced trees, video link

It's not often you'll come across a frosted fantasyland in Central Texas. But on this occasion the elements cooperated, and we captured a park's rare look in the short video Winter at McKinney Falls - Postcard From Texas. 

A message from our non-profit partner Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation:

Centennial Projects A Gift for Texas

Park item collage, with link

As the holiday season unfolds, we are grateful for park-loving Texans who celebrated the Texas State Parks Centennial in 2023 by collectively donating nearly $2 million to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s fundraising campaign for our parks.

Thanks to thousands of generous donors, thoughtful projects are coming to life at all Texas State Parks that will benefit visitors for many years to come. Projects include all-terrain wheelchairs, bike repair stations, ADA-compliant kayak launches, wildlife viewing stations, binoculars/spotting scopes for birding and interpretive programs, rescue UTVs, water bottle filling stations, and even a pontoon boat!

Here’s to another century of wonder among Texas’ wild things and wild places!

CONSERVATION LICENSE PLATE SUPPORTING STATE PARKS, WITH LINK

Garner Partially Closed for Construction

Aerial view of Garner State Park, link

A section of Garner has been closed to complete road construction and facility repairs. The closure is expected to last until summer 2025 with a limited reopening in March. 

The areas impacted include: Pecan Grove and Oakmont camping loops and cabins, the pavilion, park store, mini-golf, Garner Grill, boat house, day-use picnic area, Frio River dam and rock beach. All trails will be closed, except for the Nature Trail and the Frio Canyon Trail. 

During the closure, visitors will still have access to more than 200 campsites and many other recreational amenities. Find more information in our press release.

Messages from Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine advertisers:

Visit George Bush Library, with link
Visit El Paso, with link
Holiday Season at Moody Gardens ad with link