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.
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.
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 :
- wildlife inventories
- bluebird and purple martin nesting programs
- monitoring walking and bicycle trails
- developing ideas to improve the park
- the annual Music at the Marina
- litter clean-up
- historic research of the Sandy Creek Valley
- wildlife habitat improvements
- wildflower gardens and plant inventories
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 and many other flowers grow wild at Goddard State Park.
The bike trail at Goddard State Park provides scenic views year-round.
Classic autos gleam at the Music at the Marina car show.
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.