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2026 Park Activities

(from DCNR Calendar of Events) 

Saturday, May 9, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Mother's Day Brunch and Hike

Moms, do you want to have brunch cooked for you and a little time to yourself? Come to Falling Run Nature Trailhead to enjoy a peaceful morning for a brunch and a hike. Learn how to cook a quiche outside with charcoal and a Dutch oven. Then, head out on a guided wildflower hike on Falling Run Nature Trail, a 0.7-mile, more difficult hiking trail.

After you have worked up an appetite from your hike, enjoy a slice of freshly cooked quiche. Please notify us of food allergies at registration. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $5, due the day of the event. To register, call the park office (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov

 

Friday, May 15, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Spring Wild Teas

Wake up and enjoy the morning and nature with some wild teas at the Launch 3 pavilion with the Park Naturalist. Nature has a lot to offer, including edible plants. Some of these plants were used by our ancestors and many are still enjoyed today in herbal tea.

Not only will you get to taste test the teas to find your favorite, but you will also learn how to make them, about the plants they came from, and collection practices/precautions. You may bring your own snack, maybe a crumpet or two, to enjoy with your tea. Please bring your own mug for sampling. Registration is required, please call the office to register at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov

 

Saturday, May 16, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Stream Stomp

Playing in the creek is a great way to cool off and have some fun. Join the park naturalist for a little splash in the creek at the Falling Run Nature Trailhead as we study who is living in the stream. We will conduct a stream study on Falling Run to assess water quality. We will also learn about the macroinvertebrates that call this place home. Dress to get wet, waterproof boots are preferred.

 

Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

PARS-ticipate in PA's Amphibian and Reptile Survey

Join us at the marina pavilion to learn about Pennsylvania’s amphibians and reptiles and how you can contribute to an important conservation project. The Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey (PARS) is a state-sponsored atlas project that is mapping the distribution of the 80+ species of frogs, salamanders, snakes, lizards, and turtles occurring in the state.

Participants in the project find and document the animals by submitting observation data along with photographs or audio recordings for calling frogs via smartphone app or the PARS website. There will be a presentation about PARS followed by a field trip to find some local species. What a perfect way to celebrate World Turtle Day!

 

Saturday, May 30, 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Blue Moon Hike

Once in a blue moon you can join the park naturalist in the marina parking lot for a night hike on the John C. Oliver trail at the park. On this 2.5-mile hike, we will talk about the moon cycle, cultural traditions, and folklore. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and wear sturdy shoes. Great program for all ages.

 

Wednesday, June 3, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Summer Story Hour: Mayflies

Join Mae the Mayfly on her journey for a day as park staff reads this book for summer story hour at the Launch 3 pavilion. After the story, we will learn about the lifecycle of the mayfly. There will be a game, song, and craft.

This program is for families with young children. Please wear sturdy footwear. Registration is required, please call the office to register at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contacts:

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 have organized the annual Pioneer Frolic—more recently called 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 Wednesday of each month at 6:00 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.

 

Boaters enjoy a summer day at the lake.

 

Park visitors chat during a wagon ride.