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2026 Park Activities

(from DCNR Calendar of Events) 

Tuesday, June 16, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Frogbit Frenzy Pull

Join park staff and Penn State Master Watershed Stewards at Launch 3 for a volunteer workday on the water. Learn about the aquatic invasives you can find in Lake Wilhelm. Then, bit by bit, we will pull European Frogbit to make a difference.

Ages 12 and up. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Kayak, waders, and gear provided or bring your own. Life jackets are required to be worn. Registration also is required, please call the office to register at (724) 253-4833 or email megmcdowel@pa.gov. We’re utilizing a new volunteer system; please create a profile and signup for this opportunity at
https://dcnrvolunteers.pa.gov

 

Wednesday, June 17, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

History of Maurice K. Goddard State Park

Happy 54th Birthday to Maurice K Goddard State Park! Come celebrate the birthday at the marina pavilion by learning the history of the Sandy Creek Valley. From the Ice Age to present day, this land has changed dramatically over time.

Take a step back in time to the days this valley was quilted with patchwork farmland, mills, and small towns. Find out what sparked the idea to create Maurice K Goddard State Park, which would change this valley forever.

 

Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

International Mud Day Celebration

Don’t soil your mood, get muddy instead! Join park staff in the marina pavilion area to celebrate International Mud Day! For those who are young or young at heart, explore our self-serve stations to learn about what makes up mud, how different animals can utilize mud, and why mud is important for people and the future!

Registration is not required. For any questions regarding this program call the office to register at (724) 253-4833 or email davgrimm@pa.gov

 

Wednesday, July 1, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Summer Story Hour: the Keystone State

Join the park staff at the Launch 3 pavilion for the reading of K is for Keystone and take an alphabetical tour of the keystone state, we will investigate the fascinating history of Pennsylvania including natural and cultural resources, as well as native wildlife! There will be a game and craft.

This program is for families with young children. Please wear sturdy footwear. Registration is required, please call the office to register at (724) 253-4833 or email davgrimm@pa.gov!

 

Saturday, July 4, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Quiet Morning Kayak Paddle

Registration required, limited participants. Join us at Launch 3 for a quiet morning paddle around the lake as we search for eagles, osprey, songbirds and wildflowers. Participants must bring their own kayaks,safety gear, water bottles and snacks. Please contact the Park Office to register or email davgrimm@pa.gov . 

 

Saturday, July 4, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Feathers of Freedom

On the United States of America’s 250th anniversary, join park staff at the marina pavilion playground for the opportunity to learn more and potentially see our nation’s mascot, the bald eagle! During this program, attendees can expect to learn about the history of bald eagles, their lifestyle, and their adaptations.

This program is great for all ages! Please wear sturdy footwear as there is a short walk to the eagle nest viewing platform. Registration is not required. Call the park office at (724) 253-4833 or email davgrimm@pa.gov with any questions or concerns.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contacts:

FROG Contact

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Maurice K. Goddard State Park

To view a slideshow of park photos, click on "Goddard Photos" at the top of the page.

 

Mercer County boasts a 2,800 - acre wonder — the lake, wetlands, fields and forests of Maurice K. Goddard State Park.

Lake Wilhelm marina at Maurice K. Goddard State Park

The park marina basks under a summer sun.

 

Named for the father of Pennsylvania’s state park system, Goddard is a perfect place for biking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. It’s also close to hunting opportunities at Gamelands 270.

Founded in 2002, the Friends of Goddard (or FROG) assist the park in many ways: They raise funds for special projects, help coordinate cleanups, and have organized the annual Pioneer Frolic—more recently called Country at the Crick—the last weekend in June, as well as Music at the Marina in August. FROG's accomplishments include donation of a shelter for the park’s 12-mile paved bike trail and of a playground for children at the marina.

 

hawk

A wildlife educator demonstrates the grasping power of a hawk.

 

FROG membership is free. Become a "friend" and get involved. Your help is needed with :

 

Young reenactors cross wooden swords at the Pioneer Frolic

Young reenactors cross wooden swords at the Pioneer Frolic.

 

The Friends of Goddard State Park meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM at the park office building. We are looking for people with all types of interests, including nearby landowners, boaters, birders, hunters, bikers, and others.The Friends of Goddard are a partner group with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF).

 

milkweed

Milkweed and many other flowers grow wild at Goddard State Park.

 

bike trail

The bike trail at Goddard State Park provides scenic views year-round.

 

car show

Classic autos gleam at the Music at the Marina car show.

 

Music at the Marina

Children play in front of the stage at Music at the Marina.

 

Boaters enjoy a summer day at the lake.

 

Park visitors chat during a wagon ride.