MY FAVORITE PLACES TO SEE BALD EAGLES IN TEXAS

Have you ever seen a WILD BALD EAGLE?  Once you see one up close (and by that I mean up close enough to determine that it is a bald eagle through your binoculars), it's a thrill you will never forget!  Because not only are they the symbol of the United States, but they are truly amazing, native American birds! Add to that the fact that they were almost extinct because of OUR carelessness, and that they are RECOVERING, they're just an amazing!

 

Bald Eagles migrate to Texas each winter, and usually to the same area.  They build huge nest in trees for their eggs, and raise a family. Immature bald eagles do not have the recognizeable white heads, and are often mistaken for hawks (at least by me).

 

Here are some of my favorite places in Texas to see wild Bald Eagles:

 

1.  Vanishing Texas River Cruise

One of my favorite spot to view Bald Eagles is the Vanishing Texas River Cruise by Canyon of the Eagles on the Colorado River and Lake Buchanan in Burnet!  You can choose to sit in the all enclosed air conditioned/heated (because in Texas you never know!) cabin or go up top to the open air deck for viewing!  Reservations are highly suggested, and tend to sell out quickly!  They have recently added NEW Freedom Flight Cruises in conjunction with Last Chance Forever wild bird rehabilitators.  On these amazing cruises, you can witness as birds are released back into the wild!  For somone who wants to get a little closer to nature, enjoy one of their Kayak Rentals along Beaver Creek.  Enjoy a 2, 4 or all day excursion to Falls Creek Falls.

2.  John Bunker Sands Wetlands  

A man made wetland just south of Dallas, the East Fork Wetlands Project was created as a natural way to cleanse reclaimed water, and is the largest in the state.  Migratory shorebirds and waterfowl have claimed the area as their winter home, as well as juvenile Bald Eagles, and a mature mating pair.  The John Bunker Sands Center provides an educational opportunity to view the wetlands along their boardwalk, and hands on activities for schools and organizations in their leanring center.  They are open to the public on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, and weekday visits are scheduled by appointment. 

3.  Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

Hagerman offers a wonderful opportunity to view wildlife from your car, or you can get out and hike the trails around the refuge.  On our visit last year, we spotted several young Bald Eagles as we drove around, although that trip was all about the SNOW GEESE!  Want to read about it?  The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico. 

4. Eaglefest

Each winter, the town of Emory celebrates Rains County's designation as the Bald Eagle Capital of Texas with a 2 day festival, Eaglefest.  Barge and Bus tours take festival goers out to see the eagles, as well as self guided walking tours.  In town, enjoy festival activities, food booths, and educational presentations by conservation groups. 

5.  Lake Texoma

If you have more money than I do, you might want to schedule a bald eagle tour aboard an air boat!  This is the only one we have never done... but I sure want to!!

6. Fairfield Lake State Park

Each year people flock out to Fairfield Lake State Park to see the returning Bald Eagles that winter on the lake, no doubt dining on the lake's supply of stocked red drum (redfish)!  Park rangers will suggest better viewing sites.  This is a great park for family camping, too! 

7.  Mary Manor Preserve at the Katy Prairie Conservancy

 This 200 acre preserve, West of Houston, is made up of wetlands and old rice fields.  It offers a perfect opportunity to spot Bald Eagles, as well as many other sought after Texas migratory birds. 


Want more locations?  Visit Bald Eagle Information to learn about eagle sightings around Texas, and post your own sightings!  Good Luck! 


My Mommy Tips

• Most of these locations are "kinda out there".  Be sure you fill up your gas tank before arriving, a wildlife refuge is a lousy place to run out of gas, albeit a beautiful one. 
• Pack a lunch and plan to spend the day.  Take sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes for walking the trails.  Bring along a book to read under a tree, or a frisbee to make a playful day!
• You and your children will enjoy birds so much more if you can recognize even just a few.  Purchase a field guide to take with you. 
• Don't forget a pair of binoculars.  They don' t need to be expensive to help you sight these Big Birds!! Take a kid friendly pair for your younger children, too!
• If you spot one, you will want to remember it!  Take your camera!  My four year old has a Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera he loves.  The photos aren't great, but I love that he is learning to appreciate what he sees when looking in the camera! 

If you want to see a BALD EAGLE up very close, visit Grace at the Texas State Aquarium.  She is a stunning bird who was found injured in Alaska, rehabilitated but not able to be released. 

My Top Texas Destinations for November

I love November in Texas!  The hurried pace of October is over, leaving only time to watch the leaves fall and dream of Thanksgiving dinner.  These are some of my favorite places to visit in Texas, and I would love to hear about some of your favorites, too!

 

1.  Fossil Rim, Glen Rose Texas

Amid all the exotic animals at this huge, drive through animal park, my favorites in the fall are the native ones!  Beautiful white tail deer come up to your car alongside the antelope, and wild turkeys can be seen throughout the park.  Visit the park, spend the night in one of their "safari tents", bunkhouses or for a more luxurious stay, The Lodge.  Don't miss their Murder Mystery Dinner and Tour on November 10th.  On a previous trip, we stayed in the Bunkhouses, and had a wonderful time!  Read about our visit last year; Fossil Rim in November, Glen Rose. 

2.  Lost Maples State Natural Area 

For a look at beautiful fall foliage, you can't beat a visit to Lost Maples State Natural Area.  The native Bigtooth Maples in their autumn colors last about two weeks in November.  Take your camera and a sense of adventure, hiking throughout the park is exciting and a little strenuous due to the rocky terrains and hill country topography.  The camp sites are limited, as are the number of cars allowed in the park at one time, and lines can be long, so visit early or on weekdays if possible! 

3.  Take in a Texas Thanksgiving Day Parade -

Many of our major cities host Thanksgiving Day Parades, making them Turkey Day traditions.  The El Paso Sun Bowl Parade is celebrating it's 76th year, and the HEB Holiday Houston Parade has been a tradition for almost 60 years!  

4.   Texas Citrus Season

Beautiful, red grapefruit grown in the Rio Grande Valley is in season!  Purchase some and enjoy, or find new recipes to make that highlight the official Texas State Fruit, which was designated in 1993.   

 

 

5.  Nine Flags Festival in Nacogdoches

Celebrate the season in Nacogdoches, the oldest city in Texas, at their annual Nine Flags Festival!  Unlike the rest of Texas, 9 flags actually flew over the city since it's inception in 1685!   The charming town has daily (and nightly events), and on November 24th is the much anticipated Wassail Fest! 

6.  The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Not all events in Texas are to be celebrated, but should be remembered and memorialized.  The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas chronicles the death of President John F. Kennedy, and the people involved in that sad day in American on November 22, 1963.  We visited the museum last year after I finished reading, 11/22/63 by Stephen King,  http://havingfuninthetexassun.blogspot.com/2012/03/sixth-floor-museum.html. 

 

7.  Horseback riding in Caprock Canyons State Park

Enjoy the beautiful fall scenery as you ride along on a guided trail ride!  Arrange to go horseback riding through the canyons and rugged countryside with Quitaque Riding Stables.  Explore the amazing land of Caprock Canyons State Park, which also offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and a chance to view the 80+ free roaming bison of the official Texas Bison Herd that call the park home.    

8.  Sweet Potatoes, Bright Star Farms in Alba 

Take a drive to East Texas and visit Bright Star Farms.  Purchase some Texas grown sweet potatoes for a pie or Thanksgiving Dinner.  I love sweet potatoes served everyway, baked, in casseroles, pies, fried crisp (with a little sugar sprinkled on top), but my favorite is mashed with heavy cream and mixed with a small can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce!  Whew, these are spicy, but with a GREAT flavor!!

 

 

9.  Texas Youth Hunting Program

Hunting is big in Texas, and if you would like the opportunity to take your child/children hunting, the Texas Youth Hunting Program offers workshops, information, as well as safe and affordable hunts for Texas Youth and an adult caregiver.  Not sure about hunting?  Why not let your child participate in their Texas Youth Outdoor Writing Competition? 

10.  Texas football 

TCU plays Texas on Thanksgiving Day, for the first time, replacing the longtime rivalry of Texas A&M and University of Texas!  Dallas will also host the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving Day, too! 

11.  Fishing

You just can't beat fall fishing in Texas!  Texas Parks and Wildlife knows this, and host plenty of opportunities to get your gear wet.  From fishing derbies to fly fishing instruction, check out their Calendar of Events.  November is also a great time to plan an offshore fishing trip, consider chartering a boat, some specialize in family fishing trips!  YUM, Fresh Red Snapper!!  

12.  The 2012 Marfa Home Tour and Symposium 

Experience the beautiful adobe structures and architecture of Marfa for this Special Event being held the first weekend in November. 

13.  Big Bend Ranch Special November Ranch Thanksgiving Dinner

Visit the Sauceda Headquarters at Big Bend Ranch State Park for a special Thanksgiving Dinner.  Reservations are required, but only $15 a person and include park entrance. 

 

 

 

 

14.  Learn about the Native Americans that called Texas "Home"

Although the Wampanoag Indians, with whom the Pilgrims shared their first Thanksgiving, lived in far to the North of Texas, November is still a wonderful time to learn about the Native Americans who called Texas home.  The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas in Livingston host the Bulls and Arrows Bull Riding event, and an Indian Arts and Crafts Fair in November.  Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto is a wonderful place to learn about the indigent Caddoan Indians   Fort Martin Scott in Frederickburg is a restored United States Army Outpost.  Learn about the Meusebach- Comanche Treaty, and their present day fight with the Former Texas Rangers Association!   Or take the Fate Bell Shelter Tour at Seminole Canyon State Park, as guides take you to see American Indian Rock Paintings, estimated to be about 12,000 years old. 

15. National Take a Hike Day, November 17th

There are so many wonderful places to explore in Texas, pick a trail and go!

16.  Leonids Meteor Shower

The Leonids Meteor Shower should peak on November 17th, offers a good view in a nearly moonless sky!  Visit Franklin Mountains State Park for an evening of Melodies Under the Milky Way, as a local musician plays and after the concert enjoy a presentation about the night skies. 

17. Visit a pecan farm

Pecans are ready for your pies, so why not visit a local pecan farm?  The Frio Pecan Farm is the perfect Texas Hill Country getaway, and they even offer overnight accomodations so you can relax, sit back and peel a few! 

 

 

 

18.  Veterans Day

Veterans Day is November 11th.  Take some time to recognize this important day to your children.  Hang your American Flag, get down some old pictures of family members who have served, or visit one of the National Cemeteries in Texas. 

 

 

 

 

19.  King Ranch's 22nd Annual Ranch Hand Breakfast

Each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the legendary King Ranch host a Ranch Hand Breakfast!  In addition to eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, they also serve up a big helping of life on the largest ranch in Texas!  Watch team roping and old-time cow camp cooking demos, plus much more!  Spend the entire weekend in Kingsville, and enjoy "Historic Kingville Celebrates the Ranch Hand"!

Paddling Village Creek and Lake Arlington

How we got started....

 

When our oldest son was 5, my daughter 3 and our youngest not even a thought, Santa gave us a Family Christmas Gift, a canoe.  It was the start of a wonderful hobby/obsession for us as a family.  We joined a local paddling club, and enjoyed attending events with other families,  Now, 7 years later, we still love to get out on the water as a family, although our oldest now has his own kayak, and has even raced a few times.  We are always excited to take on a new paddling trail, creek or river. 

Lake Arlington offers some nice parks for families, good fishing and a couple of nice chances to get out on the water. 

There is a Texas Parks and Wildlife Paddling Trail on the lake.  The trail is 10.9 miles and goes around the edges of the lakes.  This is a nice and easy float, perfect for the family and new paddlers.  You can put in or take out at Richard Simpson Park, and travel around the lake to Bowman Springs.  Richard Simpson park is the home of the Arlington Yacht Club, and on Saturdays you may get a chance to watch the races.  Bowman Springs offers restrooms, as well as a nice little playground for the kids, and a fishing pier.

If what you are looking for is a run instead of a float, then head out Everman Kennedale Rd. to put in on Village Creek.  Lake Arlington receives water from Richland Chambers Reservior in Navarro County.  The water is pumped into Village Creek at a pump station, and it supplies the creek with clear water for a nice paddle, even in summer when most Texas creeks aren't navigable.  Put in under the bridge at the pump station.  If you are lucky enough, they will be pumping water when you put in, giving you a nice ride! 

My husband went out a couple of weeks ago with his brother, Jeremy and a friend.  With all the baseball and soccer games, the kids and I just haven't been able to go with them yet.  Jeremy wore a small camera on his hat, a GoPro Hero, which took pictures every few minutes.  The pics in this post are from that camera.  Thanks, Jerms!

Can you see the water flowing from the pump station?  Yep, that's your drinking water, Arlington! 

 

The ride is mostly smooth......

With a few riffles and rapids mixed in for fun when the water is running!

 

Don't you just love this old train bridge?  You can take out just past I-20, or continue onto Bowman Springs Park.  You can also stop in the lake and get in a little fishing, too.  We really enjoy following The Fishing Librarian on facebook, an Arlington librarian who offers some good fishing tips on the lake and some good reads, too! 

 

 

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Center

Lewisville Lake is a very popular and commercial lake just north of Dallas.  It's busy shorelines host restaurants and homes, and the water is filled with boats each weekend.  But just on the other side of the dam sits the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Center.  This quiet, beautiful and natural area is surprisingly remote from the fast boats and loud music you find on the lake. 

A secluded site, we first visited the dam, where the Elm Fork of the Trinity River spills out to continue south as it joins up with the West Fork in Irving, and winds itself down through East Texas on it's way out to Trinity Bay. 

We were there to complete our second of the Texas Nature Challenges, which was to hike one of the three trails, and make observations along the way.  We chose the Cicada Trail, which runs through a hardwood forest, and seemed to be the one to offer the most shade. It was already about 100 degrees, and the shade makes such a difference!

A photo of one of the cicadas for which the trail is named.  Very aptly named, too.  The cicadas are everywhere, it was almost hard to hear each other, at some times they were so loud. 

This is my daughter.  She too, is something on the trail that made it hard for us to hear each other. 

When we came upon this hollow tree with a large entrance at the bottom, we all stopped and yelled, "The Watcher in the Woods"!  We read the novel by Florence Engel Randall, a couple of summers ago.  The tree, and it's "entrance" looks like something right out of the book.  Literally, a shiver ran down my back when I saw this. 

If you haven't read it, it's a fun, and suspenseful book for kids.  We recommend it, but I wouldn't go down this trail just after reading it.  Unless you want to scare your kids..... 

The Cicada Trail runs along the former river bed of the Trinity River.  When the lake was formed, they MOVED the river to it's present location.  That amazes me. 

After our hike, we enjoyed a picnic lunch, and some COLD watermelon!  Is there anything better than COLD watermelon on a hot day? 

The LLELC also host one of the Texas Paddling Trails, the Beaver Pond Paddling Trail. 

It started off a little muddy, and shallow, and gloriously shady.  My husband took the kayak, and the kids and I were in our canoe.  Beautiful birds flew all around us, including very friendly but photo shy Green Herons.  We came up a young family of them, right out of the nest.  They were just too quick to get a good picture. 

The trail quickly opened up into a large, open pond.  Again, water birds were everywhere.  We paused several times just to look and listen.  The water was surprisingly clean, and we could see fish swimming around us.  My son was really biting his bottom lip, since they don't allow fishing on the trail. 

There was so much to see and do, and we really didn't get to half of it.  But we will be back.  One of the trails has an old cabin, the Minor-Porter homestead.  You know how much I love log cabins.  Tours are offered on the second third Saturday of each month. 

On the second third Saturday of each month, kayak trips are also offered on a 6 mile stretch of the Trinity River.  All the equipment and instruction is provided, but registration is required.  Check their website for prices and more information.  www.kayakpower.com

They also offer badge workshops for scouts, and much more. 

To visit the LLELA website; http://www.ias.unt.edu/llela/main.htm

To read more about other Texas log cabins;  http://havingfuninthetexassun.blogspot.com/2011/08/discovering-texas-past-log-cabins-of.html

To learn more about the Texas Nature Challenge; http://naturechallenge.tamu.edu/

River Legacy Paddling Trail

Entrance to the River Legacy Paddling Trail

Just before we put in, while waiting for my husband to return from parking our car, a young man and woman walked up to us.  My children were climbing over the canoe and kayak, and we were all wearing our life jackets and I was holding the paddles.  "Are you about to go in the river?"  the man in his early 20's asked me.  I smiled the awkward smile of someone who has just been asked a silly question, and nodded my head that I was.  "I could never do that," he continued, "I don't like to swim in any water where I can't see the bottom".  I glanced up at him, with a smirk on my face, shifting my camera hanging from around my neck, and replied, "Well, I'm planning to stay in the boat".




And although I'm not bothered by water that is less than transparent, I wouldn't go swimming in this stretch of the Trinity River.  The water that runs through the park is polluted, a ban is placed on consuming any fish from this portion of the river, (N of Fort Worth down through Freestone County).  That's not to say it isn't fine for paddling, and it was interesting to see the trash that lined the river.  How did a freestanding basketball goal get in the river? 

The entrance to the paddling trail is not in the main part of the park, but at a seperate entrance off Collins.  Bring a canoe trailer or strong arms for hauling your boat up and down the steep bank to the put in.  The paddling trail map would have you paddling upstream for a mile to a small dam, and then returning.  If you choose to portage around the dam, you can continue to paddle upstream 8 miles through the park, before returning.

We choose to paddle downstream away from the park, which is off the paddling trail.  Even with a nice current, the river was slow and easy to paddle, with just a few fun riffles along the way.  My 12 year old son was in his kayak, and the four of us in our canoe.  My son received his kayak this past Christmas, and as a mom, it makes me a little nervous to have him out of our boat.  However, being much lighter than us, he was able to glide about the river with little effort.  The trip was very relaxing and hard to believe that you are in downtown Arlington.  We only saw a handful of people, mostly fishing along the banks.  I wonder if they know about that consumption ban? 

We paddled almost all the way to Hwy 360 before turning back.  The upstream trip was laborous, but we only stopped to portage around one of the riffles we came down.  We might have been able to make it back up, but we really didn't want to go swimming in there.  Like climbing a mountain, or hiking a trail, when we made our last paddle stroke we were hit with the adrenalin rush, that primordial pride of accomplishing something, of conquering the river (even if most of that river retained a mirror like sheen most of the trip)!  It's a great feeling to emerge, to say to yourself, I owned that!  The greatest boost, though, is seeing that feeling, that self appreciation in your child when they know that they, for a short time, owned the river!

Being an avid paddler, and always encouraging other to give it a try, I can't help but think that River Legacy has a unique opportunity to offer this experience to so many urban Texans, who might never have the chance otherwise. I would love to one day see a put in constructed upriver in the park, and canoe and kayak rentals and a shuttle to be offered. 

My Mommy Tips:

Picnic tables are provided in the park at the same area as the put in.  We had a nice picnic under shade trees.  Numerous fast food restaurants are a quick drive away.  So are potties, as there are none in that section of the park. 

Potties and a playground are located in the main park, off of Green Oaks. 

Links:
River Legacy Park   http://riverlegacy.org/

River Legacy Paddling Trail; http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/inland/arlington_riverlegacyparks/index.phtml

2012 Texas River Photo Contest

John Graves' Goodbye to a River

I sat down this morning to begin reading John Graves' "Goodbye to a River", an annual tradition with me as I prepare for our Mother's Day Brazos River Trip.  Graves' account of a his final canoe trip down a section of the Brazos River before a series of dams were to be built, changing it forever. Before I became too lost in his words, I was inspired to have a photo contest.  I've been wanting to have a contest since Having Fun in the Texas Sun reached 1000 likes on facebook.  (Hooray, and thanks to all of you!) The contest will be Texas Rivers, and the photos should all carry a similar theme.  The prize is a new copy of Goodbye to a River, which I will have sent to you from Amazon.  While it's not an expensive cash prize, the words inside his book are a treasure.  My hope is that many of you will participate, either by submitting photos, or by voting for your favorites, and that even those who don't win will take the time to read the book.  Our Texas rivers are disappearing under reservoirs, and being littered and polluted.
 

“Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.” ~ Winnie the Pooh

Here's how to paddle;

Submit your Texas River photo(s) until May 20, 2012.  This date is to coincide with National River Clean Up Day on Saturday, May 19th, and give you time to email your photo to me havingfuninthetexassun@gmail.com .   

Trinity River

The photos will be added to this blog page, and on Monday, May 21, they will be posted to facebook for the contest to begin!  At that time, you, your friends, neighbors, relatives and postal carrier can all begin voting (liking) your photo.  The voting will continue until Tuesday, May 29th at 11:59pm.  At that time, I will tally all the votes and the winner will be announced (unless I fall asleep sitting at the computer waiting for 11:59pm, haha! - just kidding!) 
 
Tips: 

• Don't spend time mulling over your favorite photo to submit, you can submit as many as you like!
• Once the contest is started, share it with your friends on facebook, BUT explain that they must like the photo on my facebook page, if they like it on YOUR facebook page, it doesn't count! 
• I will post your comments about the photo along with the photo, so tell me where it was taken, who is in the photo, and maybe a great recollection about that day!
• Anyone can enter!  Professional photographers, children, the family pet if you can get them to hold the camera, it's ALL GOOD! 
• I will include every photo, as long as it is FAMILY FRIENDLY!  It doesn't have to be an entire river, any portion is okay!  So find your favorite memories of tubing, rope swings, fishing, your young child playing in the water.  The river doesn't have to be the star of the photo.   
• Finally, and this is out there, but if you are a business in Texas, and want to contribute to our contest, and help raise awareness of Texas Rivers, you can email me and donate a prize for the contest; t-shirts, gift certificates for your business, passes to your attraction, etc.  I can promise that I will SHOUT OUT TO EVERYONE YOUR NAME AND BUSINESS INFORMATION, DURING THE CONTEST AND WELL, WELL BEYOND!  If HFinTS has promoted your business in the past, it's also a great way to say "Thank You"! 

I welcome your questions and comments!  Until I hear from you, I'm off to read my book!

Catherine Schuelke
"....the Frio River rippling over the rocks in Garner State Park."

Catherine Schuelke
"...the pristine Frio River- some winter leaves floating in the shallow water - water so clear it is almost invisible.  If you know where to look, there is a minnow near the middle of the picture.".

Catherine Schuelke
"I love the silliness of this picture.  The river calls, whether you have on a swimsuit or not.  Even though we were only conducting a preliminary exploration of the grounds at Pedernales State Park, the kids HAD to get their feet wet.  Of course, they weren't satisfied to take just one step. . . and I caught them all with their shorts hiked up!"

Catherine Schuelke
"This picture doesn't quite tell the whole story....but if you haven't experienced the dam and lock on the San Antonio River (on the north end of the river walk), you really should.  It was a fabulous field trip for us last year after study boats and watching a video on the Panama Canal.  If I remember right, it is gravity fed, making it a low energy operation.  For us, it was worth the price of the all-day river taxi pass. (Then you can go through the lock as many times as you want too!)"

Joe Pool Lake Family Fun Things to do...

 

Do you continually drive past the signs for Joe Pool Lake, but never visit because you think that there is nothing to do if you don't have a boat?

There are lots of fun activities to be found, if you just know where to start looking.  This is a list of a few of the basic activities found around Joe Pool Lake and the parks found along it's shores.       

Joe Pool Lake has four parks with lake access, Lynn Creek, Britton and Loyd Park are all operated by and located in the City of Grand Prairie.  Cedar Hill State Park is off of FM 1382 in Cedar Hill.  All four parks have boat ramps, and all except Britton offer swimming and playgrounds, and well as picnic tables and charcoal grills.  But there are some things that set each park apart from the others.  Have fun with your family discovering Joe Pool Lake!


Fishing

Lynn Creek Marina has an enclosed fishing facility, allowing you to fish inside or outside, open 24 hours a day. Live bait such as minnows and worms, can be purchased at the marina store.  Fees for up to 12 hours of fishing are $5.00/adults, $3.00 for children under 10, and $1.00 for any additional rods.  However, children under 14 can fish for free on Saturday with a paid adult!  A Texas fishing license is required for anyone 18 or older.  http://www.lynncreekmarina.com/

Cedar Hill State Park offers different fishing activities all year long, including Family Fishing Day, Kids Fishing Derbies, and Learn to Fish workshops.  Parents can fish with their children in any state park without a fishing license, however you do have the State Park access fees to pay at the front gate. Call 972-291-3100 or visit their website  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/cedar_hill/

Joe Pool Marina at Cedar Hill State Park also has an indoor/outdoor fishing barge.  Open from 6am - 10pm, the fees are $3.00 for anyone 12 or older.  Under 12 and over 65 can fish for free.  Bait is also available at the Marina.  Call 972-299-9010 for more information.

Boating

"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." - Kenneth Grahame ('The Wind in the Willows' novelist)

Loyd Park just opened the Walnut Creek Paddling Trail, one of the Texas Parks and Wildlife designated Paddling Trails.  This 4.9 mile round trip trail offers paddlers a wonderful chance to experience Walnut Creek from Hwy 360 to the lake.  Canoes and kayaks are available for rental at Loyd Park for $30 and $40 for 4 hours.  There is no age restriction, and life jackets are required. 
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/inland/grandprairie_walnutcreek/index.phtml

Lynn Creek Marina offers a variety of rentals, including ski boats, pontoon boats and jet skis. For more information, and to a list of their rates, http://www.lynncreekmarina.com/rentalrates.html

Cedar Hill State Park offers single and double kayak rentals on Sat. and Sunday from 10am until dark.  Their rates are $12/hour for a single and $20/hour for a double, includes life jackets and paddles.  Novices can practice in the cove, and then venture out to explore the shorelines around the lake.
Call 435-602-9545 to make a reservation, or check out their website; http://live-adventure.com/blog/.

The Lynn Creek Yacht Club has races on Joe Pool Lake during the months of May and June.  There is nothing prettier than watching these beautiful sailboats as they glide across the water!  Cheer for your favorites, and learn a few new natical terms!  For more information and racing schedule; 
http://lcyc.org/

Historical Tours and Markers

Penn Farm Agricultural History Center (Cedar Hill State Park)  Visit the remains of the Penn family farm, see tools and machinery used throughout the years.  Self guided tours are available, and guided tours are offered once a month.  Each December a guided lantern tour is offered, followed by cookies and hot chocolate and caroles sung around a campfire.  The Penn family is buried at nearby Little Bethel Cemetery in Duncanville, which makes a interesting side trip after visiting the farm.  http://www.cemeteries-of-tx.com/Etx/Dallas/cemetery/LittleBethel.htm

The are 2 Texas Historical Markers located inside the Joe Pool Lake parks:
Wilson Cemetary (Lynn Creek Park)
http://www.gptx.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=1896
Loyd Home - ( Loyd Park)
http://www.gptx.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=1986

Family Biking and Hiking Trails

 The Joe Pool Lake Dam Trail runs along the dam on the North side of the lake.  It's flat and wide terrain make it ideal for walkers and cyclist.  Dogs are allowed, as long as they remain on a leash. There are two convenient accesses to the trail, in Cedar Hill on FM 1382, just North of the State Park, with a sign marked overlook, or in Lynn Creek Park on the Grand Prairie side.  The trail is 3 miles in each directions, making for a 6 mile round trip. 
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XMR018-051


Loyd Park offers a hiking trail at the South end of the park, which runs along side much of Walnut Creek.  There is also a seperate bike trail in the park.  Call ahead for information as to if the trails are open, they close when muddy.  http://www.grandfungp.org/lakeparks/mapofpark.htm

Cedar Hill State Park has several hiking trails throughout the park, and offers guided tours along the Duck Pond Trail about once a month.  DORBA, the Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association, has built an intense network of trails for mountain bikes.  Because of the naturally hilly terrain, caution should be used before taking young children on these trails, and always wear a helmet.  The trails also close when muddy, for up to date information on trail closures, call  972/291-3900 and press star 2.

Educational Activities
Like many state parks, Cedar Hill State Park also offers activities through their Interpretive Programs.  Learn about the mammals and reptiles that live in the parks, and the Blackland Prarie itself, during monthly interactive presentations.  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/parks/find-a-park/cedar-hill-state-park/park_events/