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Park Activities

Wednesday, September 11, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Explore the Shore

Join Goddard Park staff in a kayaking adventure. Explore along the shore of Lake Wilhelm where dragonflies, herons, and turtles thrive. Borrow binoculars and watch an osprey soar. During this nature-based paddle, participants will learn some basic kayak tips and set off to explore some of the lake inlets and learn about the lake and its wildlife.

Ages 12 and up. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Kayak and gear will be provided, or you can bring your own. A limited number of kayaks are available. Life jackets are required to be worn. Registration also is required, please call the office at (724) 253-4833.

Saturday, September 14, 12 Noon to 3:00 PM

Girl Scouts Love Goddard State Park

Calling all Girl Scouts who have an adventurous side! Join park staff for cooking around the campfire. We will make pizza mountain pies for lunch and peach cobbler in a Dutch Oven for dessert. Then after our bellies are full, we will practice our Katniss skills on the archery range.

For ages 9 and up. All equipment and materials for each program will be provided. Registration is required; please call the office at (724) 253-4833.

Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Harvest Full Moon Paddle

You have probably seen the sunrise but have you ever seen the moon rise over the water? Join us for some fun as we explore the lake during the full moon. Start the evening off by paddling off into the sunset, then turn around and watch the moon rise and light up the night.

A limited number of kayaks are available. Ages 12 and up. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A kayak and gear will be provided or you can bring your own. Life jackets are required to be worn. Registration is also required. Please call the office at 724-253-4833.

Friday, September 20, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Hemlock Hike

Have you ever smelled a hemlock’s needle and imagined its history? The eastern hemlock is known for being an important construction timber and used in the tanning industry. However, it is also important to our wildlife for food and habitat, especially our state fish, the brook trout. But what will we do without it?

This once long-lived tree, an important symbol of our Commonwealth, is being threatened by a non-native pest. What shall we do? Come find out on a one-mile hike with the park naturalist on the Falling Run Nature Trail. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring drinking water.

Saturday, September 21, 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Autumn Equinox Bike Ride

Fall is upon us and what better way to celebrate than to roll in the new season on a 12.2-mile bike ride on the John C. Oliver Multi-purpose Trail with the park naturalist. With the autumn air blowing in our hair, we will witness seasonal changes as we ride. Mammals will be starting to prepare for winter, birds will be heading south, and plants will be spreading seeds for next year’s growth. So, make sure you wear your helmet for the falling acorns!

Please bring water and your own bike if you have one. Let park staff know at registration if you need to borrow a park bike. Park bikes are limited. Registration is required. Please call the office at (724) 253-4833.

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FROG Contact

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Maurice K. Goddard State Park

To view a slideshow of park photos, click on "Goddard Photos" at the top of the page.

 

Mercer County boasts a 2,800 - acre wonder — the lake, wetlands, fields and forests of Maurice K. Goddard State Park.

Lake Wilhelm marina at Maurice K. Goddard State Park

The park marina basks under a summer sun.

 

Named for the father of Pennsylvania’s state park system, Goddard is a perfect place for biking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. It’s also close to hunting opportunities at Gamelands 270.

Founded in 2002, the Friends of Goddard (or FROG) assist the park in many ways: They raise funds for special projects, help coordinate cleanups, and organize the annual Pioneer Frolic, now Country at the Crick, the last weekend in June, as well as Music at the Marina in August. FROG's accomplishments include donation of a shelter for the park’s 12-mile paved bike trail and of a playground for children at the marina.

 

hawk

A wildlife educator demonstrates the grasping power of a hawk.

 

FROG membership is free. Become a "friend" and get involved. Your help is needed with :

 

Young reenactors cross wooden swords at the Pioneer Frolic

Young reenactors cross wooden swords at the Pioneer Frolic.

 

The Friends of Goddard State Park meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the park office building. We are looking for people with all types of interests, including nearby landowners, boaters, birders, hunters, bikers, and others.The Friends of Goddard are a partner group with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF).

 

milkweed

Milkweed and many other flowers grow wild at Goddard State Park.

 

bike trail

The bike trail at Goddard State Park provides scenic views year-round.

 

car show

Classic autos gleam at the Music at the Marina car show.

 

Music at the Marina

Children play in front of the stage at Music at the Marina.