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.

For a complete list of parks, dates and times, click here

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!

Bil Lepp

Bil Lepp is a nationally renowned storyteller and five time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest. His outrageous, humorous tall-tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life, from elementary school to veterans' homes, from churches to colleges, from festivals to formal dinners. Though a champion liar, his hilarious, insightful stories often contain morsels of truth which shed light on subjects such as politics, religion, relationships, and human nature. A storyteller, author, and recording artist, Lepp's works have received awards and recognition The Parents' Choice Foundation, The National Parenting Publications Assoc., Storytelling World, and the Public Library Assoc. Lepp has been featured numerous times at the National Storytelling Festival, and at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and major storytelling and corporate events across the country.

Bil is the author of three books of tall tales, eight audio collections, and recently published his first novel, Halfdollar. Bil lives in Charleston, WV with his wife and two children.

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.