California State Parks Week is featuring over 170 events at parks throughout the state, including (clockwise from top left): Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, California State Railroad Museum, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and Donner Memorial State Park. Photos from California State Parks.
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and partners will be celebrating the fifth annual California State Parks Week with special events at state parks throughout the Sacramento Region beginning Wednesday, June 10. Presented by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California and Save the Redwoods League, this exciting celebration will feature special programs and activities highlighting the incredible diversity of the nation’s largest state park system.
WHAT: Fifth Annual California State Parks Week
WHEN: Wednesday, June 10 to Sunday, June 14
SPOTLIGHT EVENT IN THE SACRAMENTO/SIERRA REGION: The fifth annual celebration includes five spotlight events over five days that highlight the unmatched diversity of California’s state parks. In the Sacramento/Sierra region, the spotlight event will be Sunday, June 14, at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park for a special celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Mercury, one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic historic speedboats. Visitors will learn about the vessel’s remarkable history through interpretive programs, hands-on activities, and the unveiling of a new interpretive panel highlighting themes of maritime history, innovation, and cultural resource stewardship. RSVP here.
OTHER SACRAMENTO/SIERRA EVENTS:
Wednesday, June 10
- California State Symbol Scavenger Hunt at California State Railroad Museum: Explore the museum in a new way with a California State Symbols Scavenger Hunt! Search the galleries for official state symbols and discover their connections to railroad history. Perfect for all ages—grab a clue sheet and see if you can find them all! RSVP here.
- Explore Lake Natoma by Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard: Experience Lake Natoma by kayak or stand-up paddleboard on a free 2-hour guided tour with equipment and basic instruction included. This sign-up is for the 6:30 p.m. sunset kayak tour. Reserve your spot through the Aquatic Center and come prepared with sun protection, water-friendly clothing, snacks, and hydration. Ages 7+ for kayaks, 12+ for SUPs. Registration is required. Event times by kayak – 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. By stand-up paddleboard – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Walk through the Lens of History at Calaveras Big Trees State Park (SP): Join us at 1 p.m. at the entrance of the North Grove trail by the Visitor Center for a North Grove walk through a different perspective. Learn about the history of the area while observing the giant sequoias on this 1.7-mile level loop. Bring water and an eagerness to learn. RSVP here.
Friday, June 12
- Yoga in the Park at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP): Join us for a relaxing outdoor yoga experience focused on gentle movement, breathing, and balance in the beautiful setting of Midtown Parks. This free wellness program supports recreation, leisure, and community connection. Bring a mat and water bottle, and meet at the bridge near the pond between Sutter’s Fort and the State Indian Museum. RSVP here.
- Echolocation Exploration at Donner Memorial SP: Celebrate State Parks Week with Echolocation Exploration at Donner Memorial State Park. Join State Parks interpreters and a wildlife scientist for a hands-on evening adventure discovering bats and their important role in Sierra ecosystems. Using special ultrasonic microphones, participants will listen to and identify real-time bat calls while learning how bats navigate, hunt, and communicate. RSVP here.
Saturday, June 13
- Family Activity Day at the State Indian Museum: Learn about California Native people and cultures through hands-on activity stations, Native film screenings, guided tours and scavenger hunts. General admission to the State Indian Museum rates applies and visitors will receive complimentary admission to Sutter’s Fort SHP which is in the same park as the State Indian Museum. RSVP here.
- Kids Career Fair at Calaveras Big Trees SP: Join us anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on the paved path from the Visitor Center parking lot to Jack Knight Hall to learn about the community that makes a park. Different jobs at the park and park partners will each have interactive booths along the path. Visitors who go to every booth get a prize! RSVP here.
Sunday, June 14
- Be Bear Aware – Campfire Program at Donner Memorial SP: Celebrate State Parks Week with an evening campfire program at Donner Memorial State Park! Learn about black bears, how they live alongside people, and simple ways to safely coexist with wildlife through stories, activities, and Q&A. RSVP here.
- A Garden in Time: The Changing Landscape of the Leland Stanford Mansion:
Walk on historic brick paths to explore the gardens of the mansion on a guided tour through time. The gardens of the Stanford residence were once said to be the most exquisite in the city, boasting hundreds of trees, shrubs, and plants. As the Sisters took over, they created a space for outdoor recreation, as well as a garden that served the home. Today, some trees remain from these earlier periods, while the gardens still blossom with flowers that delight the senses. RSVP here.
Visit castateparksweek.org for a full list of the more than 170 events happening throughout the week.
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Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom or click here.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
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California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with over 50 years of history, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all. We work in parks and in Sacramento with partners, park staff, and policymakers to address the challenges parks face. To make real and lasting change, we are working to build a movement of people who enjoy and advocate for their parks now, and for future generations. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Parks California, created by the State of California to expand the reach and impact of its parks system, strengthens our public lands and inspires all people to experience these extraordinary places. As a public-private partner, we work alongside California State Parks, public lands agencies, tribal, community and nonprofit organizations to design solutions that make these spaces more inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable. Together, we’re advancing a new partnership model that supports healthy communities and ecosystems to meet the needs of a changing California. Learn more: www.ParksCalifornia.org
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| Save the Redwoods League revitalizes coast redwood and giant sequoia forests across California’s redwood range. In partnership with state and federal agencies, Tribes, and communities, we have conserved more than 220,000 acres in 76 parks and preserves and restored 37,000 acres. Our work bolsters carbon storage, strengthens wildfire resilience, benefits local economies, and safeguards iconic landscapes enjoyed by millions. For more information, visit SaveTheRedwoods.org Facebook I LinkedIn I Instagram I YouTube I Blog I Threads |