The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports there are plenty of exciting activities are happening at state parks over Fourth of July weekend, including the Viking Lake and Prairie Rose State Parks.

Here’s what’s happening at Viking Lake State Park near Stanton (2780 Viking Lake Road):

Thursday, July 4th:

• Fourth of July Craft; 6pm – 7pm; Since fireworks are not allowed in the park, join DNR staff to make your own sparkle. Meet at the playground.

Friday, July 5th:

• Night Hike, 8:30-p.m. Until 9-p.m.; The hike will allow you to see what the nighttime has to offer at Viking Lake. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. Meet in the campground parking lot.

Saturday, July 6th:

• Water Safety Program at Viking Lake State Park, 10-to 10:30-a.m.; A program on life jacket safety and boating safety. Meet at the campground boat ramp.
• Kayaking, 10:30-a.m. To 11:30-a.m.; Learn about the different types of kayaks and how to use them. Then give it a try. Bring your own life jacket if you have one. Meet at the campground boat ramp.

Lots of activities are planned for Prairie Rose State Park near Harlan, as well (680 County Road M-47, near Harlan)…

Friday, July 5th:

• Canoeing, 10-a.m. To 11-a.m.;Please meet on the east side of Country Road M47 to canoe. All levels of experience are welcome. Ten canoes, life jackets, and paddles will be available to use.
• Atlatls Program, from 2-until 3-p.m.; Atlatls are tools that have been used for many years to help throw spears further and more accurately. Please meet just south of the main park entrance to give them a try.
• Bald Eagles Program, from 7-until 7:30-p.m.; Help celebrate the 4th of July holiday by learning about our national bird. The program will feature a live education Bald Eagle. Please meet near the playground and shower house.
• Stargazing, 9:30-to 10-p.m.;Please meet by the trail that leads to the dam (campsites 80-95). We will walk out on the dam to do some stargazing. Learn about our constellations and some of the stories behind them.

Monday, July 8th:

• Monday Morning Hike, 7:30-to 8-a.m.;Please meet at the park office to go hike around the east side of the lake (approximately 2 miles).

For more information on activities at State Parks across Iowa, click here: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Park-Events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery