Cooper Lake State Park Celebrates 25 Years
Fall may be the best time to experience a Texas State Park and Cooper Lake State Park is no exception! Making this October more special than most is the park’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. Cooper Lake State Park was opened to the public in 1996 and is one of the newest parks in our vast Texas State Park system. The festivities will take place on October 15th and October 16th. We are waiving all entrance fees during the two-day event so that means, FREE!
On October 15th at the Doctors Creek Unit, we will host our official 25th Anniversary Ceremony at 10am. Headliners will be the Texas State Park Director, Rodney Franklin, the Hopkins County Judge, Robert Newsom, the City of Cooper Texas Mayor, Darren Braddy, the Army Corps of Engineer Lake Manager, Matt Seavey and others! The public is invited, and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Doctors Creek, Inc. Special thanks to the Cooper ISD and North Hopkins ISD for event support.
On October 15th at 7pm, at the South Sulphur Unit, the Main Street Community Theatre of Sulphur Springs will host a theatrical production. This performance will be held at the amphitheater located near the Honey Creek Day Use Area. The production is free and is titled, “Community Players Variety Show.” Arrive early for the best seating.
On October 16th, from 9am to 4pm, at the South Sulphur Unit, a wide variety of family fun events and displays will be provided. This includes guided hikes, visit with water safety dog – “Bobber”, learn about the mammals of the park, get a quick course on boater safety, visit with a game warden and so much more!
The park is hosting the Reilly Springs Jamboree Band with special musical guests on October 16th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. This is the perfect way to conclude our 25th celebration on the banks of Cooper Lake listening to classic country music.
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the concert! This free fun event will provide concert goers with access to some of the best local music our area has to offer. Listen in your lawn chairs or in your boat floating on the lake. Bring your own refreshments and food and enjoy! Remember, alcohol is not allowed. Special thanks to the Friends of Doctors Creek, Inc for supporting this musical event.
Fish from the bank, off our pier, fishing wall, or rent a kayak and try your luck along the shoreline. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctor’s Creek floating fishing pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing success. Crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish are commonly caught at both park units. Fishing licenses are not required if you are fishing from the bank or fishing pier at Cooper Lake State Park.
Other popular activities include hiking our trails, or just resting under a giant Post Oak tree, or camping at one of our tree-canopied campsites. Park entrance fees are $5 for adults; kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass (Remember, October 15th and 16th free entrance).
Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70, which is good for over 12 months. Buy your pass and let your Texas adventure begin!
For more information on this or other events and programs, please visit and like our Facebook pages.
- Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903)-945-5256
- Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100
