Upcoming Tennessee State Parks Events: February 2023
February 1, 2023 | Permalink
Photo of Chickasaw State Park by @c_holla_901 on Instagram
February is here! This month often brings cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and fewer bugs–making it an excellent time to visit our parks and spend some time outdoors. If you’re looking for things to do, choose from dozens of our events. Pick a date, invite a friend, and take part in one of many opportunities to learn something new.
Celebrate World Wetlands Day
VARIOUS PARKS | February 2 & 3
Learn about wetlands and their importance in the global ecosystem at these Tennessee State Parks!
- CORDELL HULL BIRTHPLACE STATE PARK
- FROZEN HEAD STATE PARK
- INDIAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
- RED CLAY HISTORIC STATE PARK
- CHICKASAW STATE PARK
Photo featured in Reelfoot Lake State Park Facebook Event
Attend the 19th Annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival
REELFOOT LAKE STATE PARK | February 3-February 5
Explore Reelfoot Lake, which has more than 40 resident nesting eagles, during this family-friendly festival featuring programs, children’s activities, and more. Two-hour eagle and waterfowl van or bus tours are offered with reservations and tickets
Photo of Thomas O. Fuller from NYPL Digital Collections
Hear from distinguished speakers on the importance of Black history
T.O. FULLER STATE PARK | February 4-February 25
In honor of Black History Month, every Saturday in February at 2 p.m., T.O. Fuller State Park will feature a different engaging speaker showcasing local/regional Black history. Light refreshments will be served.
- February 4 - Park Manager Jessica Gossett will speak about "History of T.O. Fuller State Park and Thomas Oscar Fuller."
- February 11 - Judge Tarik B. Sugarmon, Juvenile Court Judge will speak about the "History of the Afro-American Vote."
- February 18 - Andrew Withers, Curator/Archivist Withers House Museum will talk about his father "Ernest Withers: Civil Rights Photojournalism."
- February 25 - Closing reception will feature a previously recorded talk by Leigh Gardner, Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Scenic Trail State Park Ranger about "Civil Rights in Tennessee." Guests can also take a tour of the Black History exhibit.
Build your own birdhouse
COVE LAKE STATE PARK | February 12
Join Ranger Rooker to learn why to attract bluebirds to your area and how to build your own birdhouse. Each participant will get to build their own box to take home. Cost: $8 per person
Photo by @lostcreekrambler on Instagram
Learn how to light a fire with your loved ones
DAVID CROCKETT BIRTHPLACE STATE PARK | February 12
Can you and your valentine successfully create and nurture a fire? Join Historic Interpretor Thomas inside the Long-Hunter camp for a hands-on fire-starting demonstration using flint and steel. After the demonstration, visitors can roast marshmallows over their fires as the sun sets! Cost: $30 per couple + optional donation
Interested in other fire-building learning opportunities this month?
- Campfire 101– Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, February 5
- Fire starter craft – Henry Horton State Park, February 11
- Make your own fire starter – Frozen Head State Park, February 25
- Frontier fire starting – David Crockett Birthplace State Park, February 25
- Camping Skills: Firebuilding 101 – Natchez Trace State Park, February 26
Photo by @mitchmassey85 on Instagram
Participate in a global bird count helping protect birds
Want to learn about and protect birds in your favorite state parks? Join us on various hikes to record and count all of the birds in our state parks. All submissions will count towards the global Great Backyard Bird Count.
- BURGESS FALLS STATE PARK | February 17
- PARIS LANDING STATE PARK | February 17-19
- SEVEN ISLAND STATE BIRDING PARK | February 17 (Ages 6-12) & February 18
- EDGAR EVINS STATE PARK | February 18
- RED CLAY HISTORIC STATE PARK | February 18
- CUMMINS FALLS STATE PARK | February 19
Photo by @kris10jenkins on Instagram
Explore all about dark skies
ROAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK | February 25
How dark is dark? Learn more about dark skies, why they matter, and what we can do to improve viewing conditions in our region.
Learn how to play the banjo
BIG RIDGE STATE PARK | February 25
Come out and learn how to play some old-time banjo with Park Ranger Ethan. Walk away with some knowledge about the various styles of banjo music that have evolved over the years, instrument care, and a few basic practicing techniques. Cost: $20
Identify Your Tennessee Artifacts
LONG HUNTER STATE PARK | February 25
Do you have interesting archaeological artifacts? Bring them to the Long Hunter Visitor Center on February 25th and expert staff from the Tennessee Division of Archeology will help you identify them. Cost: Free with registration.
Photo by Jeff Law
Paddle out for a wintertime canoe float
FORT PILLOW STATE HISTORIC PARK | February 26
Spend time on Fort Pillow Lake for a wintertime canoe float. Spot wildlife and features that can be seen from the lake during the winter that are often harder to see during the summertime. Bring water and a change of clothes, just in case! Cost: $10 (Adults); $5 (Ages 10 and under)
Uncover secret waterfalls
SOUTH CUMBERLAND STATE PARK | February 28
Explore the wilds of Sherwood Forest and get a glimpse of the secret waterfalls hidden within. This will be a multi-hour, off-trail exploration over extremely difficult and slick, rocky terrain. Off-trail hiking is not allowed at the park, so this is your chance to see parts of the park that are rarely seen. Cost: $10
Volunteer for Tennessee State Parks
STATEWIDE | Various Dates
Give back to our state parks and natural areas! We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities statewide. Learn more and sign-up today!