The Official Site of
West Virginia State Parks & Forests

Special events and event weekends are scheduled throughout the year at West Virginia State Parks and Forests. Daily activities and special entertainment are offered during summer months and hosted by naturalists and programmers.  These special summer programs add more fun and enjoyment to your visit. 

Special Summer Programs at a Glance
(for special guest information, scroll to bottom of the page or click here)

About our special summer program guests –

Three Rivers Avian Center – (TRAC) – What bird says “who cooks for me, who cooks for you all?” Don’t know! Come to this Birds of Prey Education Program featuring live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Live raptors, including hawks and owls are part of this educational program. You’ll learn about the habitat, diet and behavior of each bird presented, the most common causes of injury to each species and the laws protecting these special birds.

TRANS-ALLEGHENY CLASH OF CULTURES
Learn more
American Indian and European cultures fought six wars westward of Allegheny Mountains in what later became the Mountain State of West Virginia.  The men and women involved in the 18th-century cycles of war and peace shaped the future of Trans-Allegheny culture. 

Your cultural forebearers will come alive again at three West Virginia state parks in 2009: Blennerhassett Island (7/4), Hawks Nest (7/18), and Droop Mountain Battlefield (8/29)state parks.  Presented by living history presenters Doug Wood and Trails, Inc.

Lou Maiuri –Square or line– you’re invited. Lou Maiuri was teaching dance long before Dancing with the Stars debuted or Travolta and Swayze made dance popular again. Maiuri is a dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing. He has won many awards in competition, including three national championships and is the director and founder of Appalachian Country Cloggers. Bringing traditional dance and instruction to our state parks is a labor of love for Maiuri – his love of people and his love for dance is obvious when you attend one of Lou’s dance events. No previous dance experience (or rhythm) necessary. Come join us for tradition – let’s dance!

Bugs Stover – A traditional campfire story-teller. A Wyoming County (WV) native, his presentation is down-home, come-on-over, and sit-a-spell. I’m going to tell you a story about when I was but a child camping at…and there was a strange noise… Stover’s stories weave state park tales of mystery and make an ordinary evening something to remember.

Bil Lepp – A winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest, Bil Lepp tells tall tales written by himself and his brother. His outrageous stories about Buck-dog, fishing, politics, trains, the rodeo and many others will have the audience roaring with laughter.

Geology! Rocks – Don’t know limestone from sandstone or granite from gravel! An evening program to teach, explain and explore the mysteries of ‘rock.’ The next morning we ‘roll’ out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are the experts presenting this program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both.  Great for scout and 4-H groups, families and our future geologists.  Times and locations vary from park to park, so if there is no specific time or meeting location listed, please contact the park direct.  Thank you.

Garry Boothe – Garry is a magician and children’s entertainer, and he performs magic and balloon artistry with a twist. A great family entertainer.

Irish Road Bowling – This series is more about the activity than a special program guest. An outdoor activity born in Ireland, WV is becoming an interesting game of fun. Before football, soccer, and basketball, before baseball and golf, was ... The Old Game,Irish Road Bowling. So when you hear ‘bowl’, obey the rules of the road and know the game is afoot.

Summer programming reflects the West Virginia State Parks mission statement. From cultural and historical facets, to natural history and traditional programs, you’re invited to learn, to play and to enjoy!
Offered at no charge – we encourage families, friends and youth to enjoy the great outdoors as well as some great folks sharing their talent and skills.