Most visitors take advantage of all Mistletoe State Park has to offer during warmer weather, but activities happen there year-round.
From archery to reptile workshops to date nights, there’s something for most outdoor lovers.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, couples can have a different night out. Date Night at the Park features a unique experience. Learn new skills such as primitive fire building or try out the archery range. Plus take part in a geocaching experience.
According to Justin Bettross, Mistletoe’s assistant park manager, this is the second year they’ve held the Valentine’s weekend event.
Date night will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 12. The cost is $20 per couple, and space is limited.
One regular event at Mistletoe is the archery program, where participants 7 years old and older can learn how to use a bow and arrow. A certified archery instructor leads the hour-long class. The next classes will be held at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 20 and March 6.
The cost is $10 per person, and registration is required.
Wildlife is a focus of many programs.
“The park has 2,000 acres,” said Bettross. “This is one of the best places to see a lot of wildlife. We have foxes, birds of prey, bald eagles.”
Learn about “awesome opossums” at 10 a.m. Feb. 20, which will tackle some myths about the marsupial. The cost is $2 per person. Children 3-years-old and younger are admitted free. There is a $5 parking fee.
At 11 a.m. March 6, learn more about reptiles. The event will feature a talk and live animals. The cost is $3 per person with children 3-years-old and younger admitted free.
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The outdoor events continue into March and April with a guided creek paddle on March 20 and April 3. The guided paddle will begin at the Mistletoe Road Boat Ramp at 6 p.m. both nights. The tour will go along Cliatt Creek and Boulder Creek. All equipment is provided, and the cost is $20 per person.
Bettross said COVID has curtailed many of the events with size restrictions placed on them. Other regular events are not being held at this time including night hikes.
A few of the bigger events are held in the fall. There’s a fishing derby and a fall festival.
For those who want to stay at Mistletoe, there are several options including 10 cottages and tent, trailer and RV campsites. For reservations, visit gastateparks.org./mistletoe.
But be warned, the cabins fill up quickly especially on the weekends from March to November, he said.
To make a reservation for any of the day programs, call (706) 541-0321.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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