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Park Activities

(from DCNR Calendar of Events) 

Friday, September 5, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Sunset Paddle

Sunsets are beautiful from land, but even better on the water as the reflecting colors turn the lake into a painted canvas. We will also keep an eye out for wildlife along the shoreline, getting their evening meal or drink.

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. A limited number of kayaks are available. Life jackets must be worn. Registration is required; please call the office at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov..

 

Saturday, September 6, 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Night Hike

Join the creatures of the night and the park naturalist for a hike in the woods on the John C. Oliver trail after dark. You will have to use your senses at each stop along the way to help guide the way. Meet in the marina parking lot, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and wear sturdy shoes. This is a great program for all ages.

 

Sunday, September 7, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Harvest Full Moon Paddle

You have probably seen the sunrise, but have you ever seen the moonrise 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 must be worn. Registration is required; please call the office at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov.

 

Saturday, September 13, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Girl Scouts Love Goddard State Park

Calling all Girl Scouts who have an adventurous side! Come learn about orienteering, the art of map and compass. Learn how to read a map and use a compass. Then test your skills on a beginner’s flag course.  Registration is required; please call the office at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov.

 

Saturday, October 4, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Echoes Across the Water: Stories and Artifacts from Mercer County’s Past

Join DCNR staff and local historical societies to learn and engage with Mercer County history.  There will be activities including atlatl throwing, flint knapping, cordage making, mock archaeology digs, and apple cider samples. Please bring your stories and pictures to share related to Mercer County History.

A hike on Early European-American Settlement will kick off the event from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the Falling Run Nature Trail. A hike on mid-century recreation at Rocky Basin will follow from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the McKeever Tract Trailhead.

Sunday, October 5, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Fall Foliage Hike

Take a ‘Walk in Penn’s Woods’ to celebrate the changing of season and the forest around us. On this 0.7-mi hike, learn about how the forest is changing this time of year and the science behind it. The Falling Run Nature Trail is considered more difficult hiking, as it traverses some uneven terrain and short hills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contacts:

FROG Contact

Webmaster

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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.