The last weekend of June 2014 is brimming with a variety of activities and events at West Virginia’s state parks. For example, Night Golf at Pipestem Resort State Park is a new addition to outdoor summer fun.
“The evening temperatures are great and a bad shot has a good excuse when it’s dark,” said Kim Hawkins, activities coordinator at this Summers county destination.
State parks also are introducing many new games this summer. North Bend State Park debuts Box Hockey and Pipestem recently started Murbles and GaGa Ball games for visitors.
State park and forest lodges, cabins and campgrounds are open and are great summer vacation settings for families, couples and friends. Daily activities at many parks are posted at www.wvstateparks.com, “At-A-Park.”
Activities at state parks the weekend of June 27-29 include:
June 27 and 28, 2014 – Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Doubleheader Powering the Bald Knob Run at Cass Scenic Railroad departs at noon Friday, June 27. This trip features two locomotives, which was typical of logging operations of the early 1900s. Standard fare for Bald Knob trip remains the same for this special run. Saturday, June 28, an Old Spruce Run departs at 10:30 a.m. Trips at Cass depart daily except for Mondays. Trains run through Nov. 2, 2014. A full schedule is on the park website. www.cassrailroad.com 304-456-4300
June 27, 2014 – Pipestem Resort State Park
A Night Golf Tournament at Pipestem Resort’s par 3 golf course is planned for June 27. Up to 18 foursomes can tee up for Night Golf at a cost of $10 per player. The fun begins at 9:30 p.m. with a scramble format, shotgun start. Register by calling the Short Course Pro Shop at 304-466-1800. www.pipestemresort.com
June 27-29, 2014 – North Bend State Park
“Rock It! and Other Geology Stuff” at North Bend State Park features geologist
Ken Ashton with the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey. Ashton’s presentation Friday, June 27, includes the geology and formations that make up the Mountain State. Different rock samples and illustrations introduce attendees to geology. The program is about an hour long and is open to the public without charge.
Other weekend activities at North Bend include a Geology Hike with Ken Ashton Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m. at the Overlook Trail head; cornhole tournament at North Bend’s Cokeley Campground at 4 p.m.; and an outdoor movie at 9 p.m. Box hockey debuts at 3:30 p.m. at the nature center Sunday, June 29. www.northbendsp.com 304-643-2931
June 28 and 29, 2014 – Cacapon Resort State Park
Cacapon State Park is offering a free fly tying and fishing demonstration workshop with the Creekside Anglers Club Saturday, June 28. The workshop is geared for beginners and will last from 9 to 11 a.m. in the lodge conference center. Other activities at Cacapon include fly fishing in action at 1 p.m. at Cacapon reservoir, The CCC Boys Legacy movie at 2 p.m. and “trash to treasure” up-cycling at the nature center at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29, includes a Central Trail guided hike at 9 a.m., pileated woodpecker craft at 1 p.m.; and “Look for the Bear Necessities” to about the state mammal, the black bear. www.cacaponresort.com 304-258-1022 x 5209
June 28, 2014 – Pipestem Resort State Park
Hans Creek String Band is featured at Pipestem Resort State Park’s Outdoor Amphitheater Saturday, June 28. From Greenville in Monroe County, WV, Hans Creek String Band, formerly Hans Creek Grass, is a traditional bluegrass group that will get your toes tapping and your hands clapping. The band touts a strong mountain heritage that fuels their need to promote, restore and keep bluegrass music alive in West Virginia. The band includes Bert Ellison, Stanly Asbury, Steve Mann and Vickie Mann. It’s a great evening of bluegrass outdoors!! Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-12. www.pipestemresort.com 304-466-1800
June 28, 2014 – Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Island Frolic with Evening Meal at Blennerhassett Island Saturday, June 28, is a relaxing evening that includes a three-hour round-trip sternwheeler ride on the Island Belle, an evening picnic-style meal, a guided tour of the Blennerhassett mansion and a wagon ride. The Island Belle will depart for the island from Civitan Park, in Belpre, Ohio, at 6:30 p.m. The cost of the Island Frolic is $27 for adults and $22 for children ages 3-12. The picnic-style meal starts around 7 p.m. on the island and features hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans, fresh fruit cup and a beverage. Bicycles will be available (at no charge) for visitors to ride. The island gift shop and snack stand will be open throughout the evening. After an evening of frolicking on the island, visitors will return to Civitan Park at about 9:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the Blennerhassett Museum in downtown Parkersburg and must be reserved in advance. www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com 304-420-4800
June 28, 2014 – Twin Falls Resort State Park
A Mixed–Couples Golf Scramble at Twin Falls State Park is one of many social tournaments planned by golf professional Brian Wetzel. This is a “for fun” tournament and golf play that is open to the public. Other “for fun” tournaments include an August 30 Two-Man Scramble and a “Lefty-Righty” Scramble Sept. 13. Call Brian Wetzel for details and to register. www.twinfallsresort.com 304-294-4000
