Temperatures are turning south, but Utah State Parks and Recreation is still trying to hold on to the last remnants of a hot summer.
To entice recreationists back to the lakes and reservoirs for possibly one last hurrah, it has organized a statewide Free State Parks Day that will take place Saturday, Sept. 29.
All day-use fees will be waived at every state park. However, camping, green fees and other special fees still may apply. Many of the parks will be offering special events and activities that day.
Along with boating, fishing, picnicking and hiking, Jordanelle State Park and the Rock Cliff Nature Center have organized a geocaching event. Geocaching is game in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) to find a treasure. Visitors can bring their own GPS units or borrow them from the nature center. For more information, call (435) 782-3030.
Wasatch Mountain State Park will host apple picking at Huber Grove: Visitors can join the park staff at 9:30 a.m. for the first apple-picking harvest and learn to make apple juice using an old cider press. Visitors can also explore the historic farmhouse, creamery and orchard. This event is free and apples are $3 per bag. The Wasatch Mountain State Park Junior Ranger Program’s activity will be “Sun Catchers – Leaves.” Children 6 through 12 can become Junior Ranger by joining the naturalist for this one-hour program. The program begins at 1 p.m. at the Educational Yurt. For more information, call (435) 654-1791.
As part of Free State Parks Day, Camp Floyd State Park and Museum, in conjunction with the Utah Civil War Association and the Town of Fairfield, will host the free Camp Floyd Day Sept. 29. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events include reenactments, encampments, storytelling, stagecoach rides, firearm and cannon demonstrations, marches, drills, period games and photos in period uniform. Some special fees may apply.
Camp Floyd Day celebrates the history of Johnston’s Army and the influence it had on Utah and Civil War history. Established in 1858, Camp Floyd was the largest military installation then in the United States. The army was sent to Utah in 1857 to control an expected Mormon Rebellion that never took place. The army was recalled in 1861 with the outbreak of the Civil War.
Camp Floyd is located in Fairfield, just south of Lehi, For more information, call (801) 768-8932.
Millsite State Park and Green River State Park are combining to host an off-highway vehicle (OHV) and golf enthusiast 100-mile ride Sept. 28-30. The ride will begin at Millsite State Park and end at Green River State Park.
The event includes golf and a stay overnight at Millsite Friday, Sept. 28. On Saturday, visitors will ride their OHVs 100 miles across southeastern Utah. Riders should bring their own lunches. However, Green River melons and ice water will be provided. On Saturday evening, attendees will camp at Green River State Park and play another round of golf Sunday morning. The cost is $80 per group (up to six machines per group) and includes camping fees, and vehicle/trailer shuttle from Millsite to Green River. Riders may opt to play one round of golf at both Millsite and Green River for an additional $30 per person. Registration is required. For more information, call (435) 687-2491.
For more on other Utah State Parks events and activities, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov.