Not many things can compare to a few days out in nature with those that you love most. Refreshing swims in the lake, exciting hikes through the woods, camping underneath the stars.  Well at Lake Tawakoni State Park, you can have all of this and more! Let us tell you about all of the beauty and fun that this wonderful retreat has to offer.

FAMILY ADVENTURE

“I was 11yrs old when the park opened. So, I spent a lot of my younger years here.”

Jena Bailey, Assistant Superintendent of the park, expressed her joy that comes from the many memories made here at Tawakoni. She said she loves watching families and school groups make their way around the park, experiencing the same things she did when she was a kid.

Lots of these visitors gravitate around the beautiful beach area, especially during the summer months. This protected swim cove is a fun and safe way to enjoy the water, especially for children. Grab some floaties and enjoy the cool, refreshing water!

Speaking of the water, Lake Tawakoni is known as the Catfish Capitol of Texas! Guests are encouraged to fish the lake in a variety of ways. Whether that’s along the five miles of shores lines, borrowing a kayak from their automated kiosk, or by taking out your very own boat. The park also has a stocked pond near the entrance.

There’s plenty of adventure to be had outside of the water too! Lake Tawakoni State Park also has 5 miles worth of hiking and biking trails. Trek these beautiful and well-kept paths throughout the forest and pocket prairies. Along the way, you will find some incredible views of the lake and other natural features. One of which rests along the Osage Orange Trail. About halfway through this trail you will notice a little pond nearby. Guests has seen river otters and even alligators!

The wildlife here at the park is absolutely awesome. Jena noted that there has been around 250 different bird species that have been identified out here, such as the painted bunting and even bald eagles! While on our visit we saw a modest ribbon snake, a friendly frog, and beautiful doe nursing her tiny fawn.

MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

Want to get the best out of your time at the park? Lake Tawakoni offers a large number of events every single month! These fun-filled experiences range anywhere from learning about East Texas scorpions by using UV lights to understanding star formations and astrology while hanging out under the clear night skies. They also host many special events during the holidays.

TAWAKONI HERITAGE

“Tawakoni itself comes from the Wichita word meaning, riverbend among red sand hills.”

While the park has so many fun experiences to offer, the park and lake’s history is just as impressive. The Tawakoni tribe, which the lake is named after, once made this area their home. Throughout the years, many artifacts such as pottery and arrowheads have been found. The state park’s headquarters houses a great collection of these items that visitors can check out for a great history lesson and view into the past.

Lake Tawakoni State Park simply has just so much to offer. Plan your next weekend to visit this incredible nature getaway!

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