Memorial Lake State Park Complex has a variety of programs scheduled this month, from birding walks and tree identification sessions to fossil digs and kayaking lessons.
Memorial Lake State Park Complex includes Memorial Lake State Park, Swatara State Park, Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area, and Joseph Ibberson Conservation Area.
You can find a full listing of events below. Some of the highlights include…
If fossils interest you, join the Fossil Frenzy on Sunday, Oct. 8, at Swatara State Park from 10 to 11:30 a.m., where you can learn about local fossils and try your hand at digging for some at the fossil hill. Meet at the Swopes Valley Trailhead.
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., newcomers to kayaking can learn the basics of kayak safety and technique at Memorial Lake State Park. Online registration is required in advance, and a $5 donation to the Friends of Memorial Lake and Swatara State Parks is requested at the time of the event.
You could also take a 3-mile hike with state Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) and park staff on Saturday, Oct. 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Sand Siding parking lot in Swatara State Park. The hike includes a stop at Bordner’s Cabin to talk about its unique history.
Read More: How to visit Bordner’s Cabin at Swatara State Park
Drive-through exploration of the Bear-Hole Trail at Swatara State Park is available on Oct. 13, 14, 27, and 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a self-guided drive through 5 miles of the park’s scenic trails.
In addition to the other events listed below, you can also check the DCNR’s Calendar of Events for updated listings at any time.
For those requiring special accommodations, reach out to the park at least 72 hours prior to the event at 717-865-6470 or qheist@pa.gov.
Swatara State Park
Sunday, Oct. 8: Fossil Frenzy: Dig into PA’s Past
- 10 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the Swopes Valley Trailhead.
Sunday, Oct. 8: Hook, Line, and Simple: Fishing
- 12 to 1:30 p.m. Meet at Wagner’s Pond.
- Bait and rods provided. Fishing licenses required for anyone 16 years or older.
Oct. 13 & 14: Bear-Hole Trail Drive-Through
- 13th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 14th – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Self-guided drive begins at Swopes Valley Trailhead and lets out at Waterville Bridge, approx. 5 miles.
Sat. Oct. 14: Bordner Cabin Hike with Rep. Russ Diamond
- 9:30 to 11 a.m. Meet at Sand Siding parking lot.
Oct. 27th & 28th: Bear-Hole Trail Drive-Through
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Self-guided drive begins at Swopes Valley Trailhead and lets out at Waterville Bridge, approx. 5 miles.
Fri. Oct. 27: Animal Tracks and Traces Table
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Table at Swopes Valley trailhead.
Memorial Lake State Park
Sunday, Oct. 1: Birding Walk
- 9 to 10:30 a.m. Meet near Middle Lot pavilion.
Sunday, Oct. 1: Branching Out: Tree ID
- 2 to 3:30 p.m. Meet near Middle Lot pavilion.
Wednesday, Oct. 18: Intro to Kayaking
- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Meet at the Lower Lot.
- Limited spots available, please register in advance at DCNR Calendar of Events.
Saturday, Oct. 21: Stream Study
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at Lower Road lot.
Saturday, Oct. 21: Insect Exploration
- 2 to 3:30 p.m. Meet near Middle Lot pavilion.
Saturday, Oct. 28: Birding Walk
- 9 to 10:30 a.m. Meet near Middle Lot pavilion.
Saturday, Oct. 28: Intro to Orienteering
- 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet near Middle Lot pavilion.
Boyd Big Tree Preserve
Sunday, Oct. 29: Fall Foliage Hike
- 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at education pavilion. Includes approx. 2 miles of hiking.
Sunday, Oct. 29: Insect Exploration
- 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet at education pavilion.
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