Activities at state parks

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The weather is slowly starting to warm up and spring is on its way, meaning now is a good a time as any to venture out to one of our Utah state parks. Take a trip back in time at Frog Town Days, snowshoe under the light of the full-moon, or bring your family for an amazing Easter “Egg”stravaganza.
Listed below are some of the March events for Utah State Parks:
Oil Paintings by Paige Barth
Antelope Island State Park ” Visitor’s Center; March 1 ” 31, 2016
Paige is an award winning landscape oil painter currently residing in Eden, Utah. She is a native of the Jersey Shore and has roots in Oklahoma. Paigehas spent much of her life traveling what she calls her own back yard, the USA, and sometimes abroad.
Paige finds inspiration from her surroundings and uses her emotion while creating her traditional or abstract landscapes. Her abstract work allows the viewer to use their own imagination. Her abstract paintings are so much more beautiful in person, the camera doesn’t capture the true feeling her paintings offer.
Frog Town Days
Camp Floyd State Park ” March 5 & 19, 2016
The date is 1859 in one of the many saloons in Fairfield, AKA Frog Town. Play the same games soldiers played in Fairfield like Faro, Chuck-a-luck, and three-card Monte to win chocolate Double Eagle coins. This event is appropriate for all ages, but those over the age of 12 will enjoy the event most. Visitors are encouraged to view the museums at Camp Floyd prior to the event. The cost is $10 per person. The event will run from 10am to 12pm. Each participant receives:
-A chance to hear the story of Fairfield, Camp Floyd, and the Utah War
-Double Eagle chocolate coins and the chance to win more playing the soldier’s games
-A bottle of “Valley Tan” Root Beer and snacks
-Museum admission
Registration begins Feb. 8, 2016 and can be made by calling the park at 801-768-8932.
Night Sky Program
Dead Horse Point State Park ” March 5 & 26, 2016
Nebula are the cosmic kitchens of the universe. Stars, planets, asteroids and more are created within them. This program will include a current constellation tour, an astronomical program, and is followed by telescope viewing. Participants should plan to be at the visitor center by 6:45 pm, bring a camp chair, dress for the conditions, and use a red flashlight if available.
Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
Dead Horse Point State Park ” Bighorn Gallery; March 18, 2016
Join us for a gorgeous moonlight hike under the stars. Hikes start promptly at 7 p.m. Children 8 or older accompanied by an adult are welcome. Sorry, no pets are allowed. Join us in the Visitor Center for warm drinks and snacks after! Pre-registration and payment required. The hike is $7 per-person and snowshoe rentals are $6. Cash or checks only. Check-in is from 6-6:45 p.m. Call 435-654-1791 to register.
Sheep to Shawl
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum; March 19, 2016
A trip back in time as we explore wool, from Sheep to Shawl. Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in partnership with the Sagebrush Fiber Artisans will allow participants to journey through the step-by-step process of taking wool from the sheep’s back to yours. Join us from 10 am – 2 pm and have fun with the whole family. Live sheep will be attending as well to give visitors the opportunity to touch and feel before and after their annual haircut.
Come enjoy the activities and visit with our talented craftspeople. Cost is $1.50 per person or $5.00 per family. Friend’s Group members are free with membership card. Call 435-586-9290 for more information, or visit www.frontierhomestead.org.
Owls by Hawkwatch International
Antelope Island State Park; March 19, 2016
Meet in the Visitor Center at 4:30 pm for a presentation about owls by Dave Oleyar of Hawkwatch International. Learn about owl adaptations and ecology. Afterward we will go on field trip on the Island to hopefully see some owls that live on the Island.
Regular entrance fees apply and bring binoculars. Email charitygibson@utah.gov for more information.
“Egg”stravaganza Easter Egg Festival
East Canyon State Park; March 25, 2016
Join the Staff of East Canyon State Park for our second annual Easter Egg hunt and festival. Remember this is a FRIDAY EVENING event We use our eggs that reflect with a flashlight. We have different times for your children, so check out what time you need to be here. Last year we had 700 eggs for children to find. We underestimated this cool event.
This year we will have 2000+ eggs. For our first event we were shocked at the turn out so this year we will not make that mistake again. Join the East Bunny in this awesome unique Easter Egg Hunt! For more information and to sign up please visit our Facebook page and click on the “going” button. https://www.facebook.com/events/1687440458194446/
Island Sunset Hike
Antelope Island State Park ” March 26, 2016
Join the park naturalist for a guided hike to Buffalo Point to watch the sunset. Meet at the Buffalo Point trail head at 6:45 pm. Learn about the sun’s energy and how it affects the plants and wildlife on Antelope Island. At the top of the hike enjoy gorgeous views of the sunset and Great Salt Lake. Dress for the weather. Bring a flashlight for the hike down. The hike is one mile round trip and family friendly.
Rockport Tagged Fish Challenge
Rockport State Park ” March. 1-31 (Ongoing from Jan. 1 ” April 30)
Park officials tagged and released 100 rainbow trout in early December. These aren’t just any trout however; 10 of them are worth significant prizes. These prizes include: $3,000, a Klim Snowmobile Suit, power tools and toolboxes, Lagoon Family Passes and 5,000 rounds of .22 ammo. Visit Rockport State Park’s event page to learn more (http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/rockport/events/).
For a complete list of state parks, available activities and upcoming park events, visit stateparks.utah.gov/resources/events