Clarkco State Park A250

Celebrate America 250 surrounded by nature at Clarkco State Park during our A250 Independence Celebration! From fishing and hiking to parades, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show over the lake—this two-day event is packed with fun for the whole family.

Bring your lawn chairs, your crew, and your patriotic spirit—this is one summer tradition you don’t want to miss!

 July 3 | Morning Fun & Family Activities (Free Day!)
 

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Fishing Rodeo (Amphitheatre / Lake)

• Participants will register when they arrive at the event.
• Open to youth ages 15 and under. 
• Fishing poles and bait are not provided, and participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
• There is no cost to participate.
• Any anglers who catch a tagged fish will receive a prize!
• Cookout following rodeo for participants sponsored by the Friends of Clarkco State Park. (Pavilion 2) 
• For more information, click here.

9:00 AM – 2:00PM: Interscholastic MS Cycling League (Activities Field) 

• There is no cost to participate.
• Participants will need to bring their own bikes.
• Helmets are required for all bike riders. 
• 9:30 AM - Biathlon Opens - A biking biathlon is a fun ride that combines mountain biking and Nerf gel gun target shooting. Athletes race through a short course, stopping after each lap to shoot at targets in prone, kneeling, and standing positions. (Appropriate for all students 12th grade to 2 years old capable of riding a bike independently and without training wheels for approximately 1 mile.)
• 9:30 AM - Obstacle Course Opens - A compact, skills-focused riding area designed to challenge riders with a variety of obstacles such as rocks, logs, turns, bridges, climbs, and technical features. Short courses are used to help riders develop bike handling skills, balance, confidence, and obstacle navigation in a controlled environment. (Appropriate for all students capable of riding a bike without training wheels.)
• 10:00 AM - Registration for Lil Champions Opens (Appropriate for all students 5th grade and younger.)
• 11:00 AM - Lil Champions Fun Race Begins
• 12:00 PM - Lil Champions Award Ceremony
• 2:00 PM - Bike Games Close

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Guided Hike (Pavilion 1 – Creek)

• The guided hike is considered moderate difficulty and is approximately one mile in length.
• Guests are encouraged to bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
• Due to the natural trail terrain, strollers are not recommended.
• There is no cost to participate.

All-Day Activities (8:00AM - 5:00PM):
Kids Zone (Pavilions 1, 2, and 3)

• Jumps will be available for kids play.
• Guests will have access to beach area, splash pad, and kayak rentals throughout the day. Kayak rental rates are currently planned at approximately $20 for a four hour rental and $30 for an eight hour rental. (Pay for your rentals and sign waivers at the Park Office. See the Watercraft Liability Waiver you'll sign here.)
• Timed activities will conclude once completed, while general recreation areas will remain open during scheduled operating hours.
• There is no cost to participate.

Food & Craft Vendors (Day Use – Pavilion 1) 

• Food and items sold at vendors will require additional purchases.

   

 July 4 | Full Day Celebration ($5.00 Admission Per Person)

Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Guided Hike (Creek)

• Included with park admission.
• The guided hike is considered moderate difficulty and is approximately one mile in length.
• Guests are encouraged to bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
• Due to the natural trail terrain, strollers are not recommended.

10:00 AM – 9:00 PM: Food & Craft Vendors 

• Day Use – Pavilion 1
• Food and items sold at vendors will require additional purchases.

1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Kids Zone (Day Use Area)

• Included with park admission.
• Jumps will be available for kids play.
• Guests will have access to beach area, splash pad, and kayak rentals throughout the day. Kayak rental rates are currently planned at approximately $20 for a half-day rental and $30 for a full-day rental. (Pay for your rentals and sign waivers at the Park Office. See the Watercraft Liability Waiver you'll sign here.)
• Timed activities will conclude once completed, while general recreation areas will remain open during scheduled operating hours.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Golf Cart & Bike Parade

• 2:00 PM - Parade Judging - The parade will be judged based on patriotic decorations and overall creativity. Judging will occur prior to the parade beginning.
• There is no sign-up required and no additional fee to participate beyond standard golf cart permit requirements. (Golf cart permit requirements - Daily fee of $10 per day at the park per cart, or annual fee of $100. Register upon check-in.)
• Participants should line up behind Pavilion 1 near the boat ramp area. 
• The parade route will travel through the first campground loop and return to the starting location. 
• Awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. 

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Patriotic Ceremony 

• Included with park admission.
• A250 Flag Ceremony (Point Grass Area)
• National Anthem & Pledge (Pavilion 1)
• The A250 Flag Ceremony and patriotic presentation will be conducted by MDWFP Honor Guard and MDWFP Law Enforcement personnel.

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Main Entertainment 

• "Overstep" performing at Pavilion 1.
• Included with park admission.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Boat Parade (Lake)

• Included with park admission.
• No pre-registration required.
• Participants will make two laps around the lake area before judging is finalized.
• Separate judging categories may apply depending on participation and final event setup.

9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Fireworks Over the Lake 

• Included with park admission. 

Make it a full holiday weekend—book a campsite or cabin and enjoy everything Clarkco has to offer, including the beautiful lake, trails, and splash pad!

Plan your stay: www.reserve.mdwfp.com

For more America 250 celebrations: https://www.mdwfp.com/america250