Weekend Events at Lake Charles State Park
NATURE CENTER
Friday through Sunday
2-4 p.m.
Come take a look at some live animals that call Lake Charles State Park home. A park
interpreter will be on hand to answer questions. Located near the swim beach in the day
use area.
Friday, July 27
THE INDUSTRIOUS BEAVER
1:30 p.m.
Nature Center
American Indians called beavers the sacred center of the land because this animal
creates a rich, watery habitat for other mammals, fish, turtles, frogs, and birds. Learn
more about this industrious species, and see and touch beaver fur and skulls.
TICKS, CHIGGERS, AND MOSQUITOES
3:00 p.m.
Nature Center
Join a park interpreter to learn about the critters that make Arkansans itch all summer
long. Are these animals good for the environment, or are they purely pests? Find out the
answer to this question, and learn how you can protect yourself from these insects.
Saturday, July 28
SCENIC LAKE CRUISE
9:00 a.m.
Snapp Pier
Bring the family and your sense of adventure, and come enjoy a cruise on Lake
Charles. Discover the history of the lake, watch for wildlife, take photographs, or just
relax. Seating is limited, so make your reservation at the visitor center.
Cost: $7 adults, $3.50 kids ages 6-12, under 6 free
GYOTAKU: THE ART OF FISH PRINTING
1:30 p.m.
Nature Center
Gyotaku is a traditional Japanese art used to record large fishing catches. Kids will
enjoy recording the morning catch, or you can use our replica fish to create beautiful
pieces of art work.
ALLIGATOR INVESTIGATIONS
3:00 p.m.
Come to the nature center, where a park interpreter will introduce you to an American
Alligator. Discover how important this reptile is to the environment, despite his scary
reputation.
Sunday, July 29
SQUIRRELS OF LAKE CHARLES
1:30 p.m.
Nature Center
Lake Charles State Park is home to several different types of squirrels, including fox
squirrels, grey squirrels, and flying squirrels. Enjoy discovering how these charming
creatures are adapted to the hardwood forests, and meet a gray squirrel!
WHOSE SCAT IS THAT?
3:00 p.m.
Nature Center
Everyone enjoys nature’s beauty, but you can also learn a lot from looking at the gross
side of nature, too. Join a park interpreter at the nature center to discover what you can
learn about animals from their scat.