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Cooper, Texas – Wintertime at Cooper Lake State Park brings exceptional opportunities for outdoor exploration. No mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and some of our other not-so-favorite animals are dormant, so get out here and troop through the woods. January is the best month of the year for stargazing. With the park’s dark skies, celestial adventures await. Take a fantastic hike on almost 20 miles of parkland trails. Go trout fishing at the end of the month in our unique event pond. Camp out and enjoy a roaring campfire as you sip a steamy cup of hot chocolate and roast a s’more! Are you excited yet?
Cooper Lake State Park is thrilled to host a series of fun and engaging educational events scheduled for the second half of January at Doctors Creek and South Sulphur Units. Among these, the centerpiece is the eagerly anticipated “Annual Kid’s Trout Fishing Day” at the South Sulfur Unit on Saturday, January 20. It is a perfect opportunity for young anglers to experience the joy of trout fishing, an unusual experience for sure for Texas. Kids, be sure to bring an adult; they can fish, too! No Fishing Licenses are required, and we will have bait and loaner poles, too!
The journey continues at South Sulphur (SS); the starry night of Saturday, January 13, will bring the “Stargazing” event to life. Starting at 7:00 pm at the Gulls Bluff Boat Launch Parking Lot, you can gaze upon the celestial wonders and glimpse the Quadrantids meteor shower. The journey continues with an artistic flare on Sunday, January 14, with another “Art in the Park” session at 2:00 pm at the Gulls Bluff Pavilion, inviting more participants to join the State Fish Art contest. Finally, on Saturday, January 27, try archery with “Archery 101.” From 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Buggy Whip Restroom, this event requires prior registration and is limited to 12 participants. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those aged ten and up to learn archery, regardless of experience level. To reserve your spot, contact Alicia O’Connor at Alicia.O’Connor@tpwd.texas.gov or call (903) 945-5256.
The journey begins at Doctors Creek (DC) with the “Skins and Skulls” event on January 13. At 2:00 pm, gather at the Doctors Creek Headquarters for a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local wildlife. On Sunday, January 14, the following day, “Art in the Park” beckons all creative spirits to Pelican Point Pavilion at 10:00 am. Here, artists of every skill level can express their creativity with all the materials provided in the State Fish Art contest. On Saturday, January 20, survival enthusiasts and nature lovers alike won’t want to miss “Fire Building 101.” Starting at 10:00 am in the Bluebonnet Day Use Area, you’ll learn how to build the perfect campfire. The month at Doctors Creek culminates with the “Wildlife Detectives” event on January 27. Meet at 2:00 pm at the South Loop trailhead at Pelican Point parking lot for an enlightening walk on the South Loop Trail, where you’ll learn to read the signs of the local fauna.
We invite everyone to participate in these enthralling activities, especially the Annual Kid’s Trout Fishing Day, a unique and delightful experience for budding fishing enthusiasts. Cooper Lake State Park is excited to offer these engaging events, fostering a connection with the natural work and sparking new interests. Join us for a January filled with discovery and fun! Park is committed to providing educational and recreational opportunities that connect our community with nature.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Park!
All programs are free with your entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and also like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek (903) 395-3100).
Doctors Creek Unit
Saturday, January 13 – DC
Skins and Skulls – 2:00 pm – Meet at Doctors Creek Headquarters – Get an inside look at a few local animals.
Sunday, January 14 – DC
Art in the Park – 10:00 am – Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Calling all artists! All art supplies provided. The State Fish Art contest is our focus this month.
Saturday, January 20 —DC
Fire Building 101 – 10:00 am – Meet at Blue Bonnet Day Use Area – Learn tips and tricks on how to build a perfect campfire.
Saturday, January 27 — DC
Wildlife Detectives – 2:00 pm – Meet at South Loop trail head at the Pelican Point parking lot. We’ll take a short walk on the South Loop Trail. Explore how to determine the types of animals that may have been here from the signs they leave behind.
South Sulphur Unit
Saturday, January 13 – SS
Stargazing – Join us as we explore the night sky. We’ll have the telescopes out for viewing a planet or two; viewing starts at 7:00 pm – meet at the Gulls Bluff Boat Launch Parking Lot. We’ll also talk about viewing the tail end of the Quadrantids meteor shower.
Sunday, January 14 — SS
Art in the Park – 2:00 pm – Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion – Calling all artists! All art supplies provided. The State Fish Art contest is our focus this month.
Saturday, January 20 – SS
Annual Kid’s Trout Fishing Day – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Park at Headquarters and walk to the Event Pond. Experience the joy of catching trout. No rod and reel; no worries, we have a few loaners available. Remember your trout bait.
Saturday, January 27 – SS
Archery 101: 9:00 am to 11:00 am – Meet at Buggy Whip Restroom. Registration is required, but the program is limited to 12 participants. Reserve your spot by calling (903) 945-5256 or email Alicia O’Connor Alicia.O’Connor@tpwd.texas.gov. Ages ten and older need no experience, and we provide all equipment.