Lake Charles State Park Events
Friday, July 12th – Sunday, July 14th 2019
Lake Charles State Park invites you to join us for any and all of the upcoming weekend programs. Advanced registration for some of these events is required. Please call (870-878-6595), email (frank.walker@arkansas.gov), or visit the park to sign up. We hope to see you there!
Lake Charles State Park is located just outside of Powhatan, AR in Lawrence County. The park offers camping, fishing, day use, and nature-related interpretive programming. The park is one of the 52 state parks administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Information on Lake Charles State Park can be found online at: http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakecharles/
Friday, July 12th – Nature Center Exploration from 1 – 3 P.M.
Come explore our Nature Center and learn about some of the unique wildlife in our area. Our park interpreter will be there to help answer any questions you may have and give programs. Animals may include turtles, frogs, snakes, and more.
Friday, July 12th – Touch Table from 1:15 – 2 P.M.
Have you ever wondered what a beaver fur feels like? How about what the inside of a turtle’s shell looks like? Come by the Nature Center for a hands-on experience with some of the animals native to Arkansas and learn about some of the adaptions that help them survive.
Friday, July 12th – Spottin’ Spiders from 8:30 – 9 P.M.
Spiders are everywhere, but because of their size they can be hard to spot. Join a park interpreter at Bathhouse C in the campground to find out how to easily find these fascinating insect eaters. You’ll be surprised how many you can find! We’ll identify them and try to find some of the most elusive species in the park! Bring a flash light.
Saturday, July 13th – Cast Net Fishing Demonstration from 10 – 10:30 A.M.
Fishing with a rod and tackle certainly is fun, but have you ever tried fishing with a cast net? This ancient method may seem odd, but it still has its charm. Meet a park interpreter at the in-park boat ramp to try your hand and learn more about a different way to haul in a catch!
Saturday, July 13th – Do-it-Yourself: Fishing Poles from 11 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
With some household materials, a little creativity, and a touch of imagination you can make your very own fishing pole! Join a park interpreter at the Nature Center to learn how to make your very own fishing pole. Give it your own splash of style!
Saturday, July 13th – Nature Center Exploration from 1 – 3 P.M.
Come explore our Nature Center and learn about some of the unique wildlife in our area. Our park interpreter will be there to help answer any questions you may have and give programs. Animals may include turtles, frogs, snakes, and more.
Saturday, July 13th – Do-it-Yourself: Lures from 1:15 – 2 P.M.
Why buy expensive lures when you can make them yourself? From corks and bottle caps to soda tabs and paracord, you can use almost anything to make your own lure. Join a park interpreter outside the Nature Center and learn how you can use everyday materials to make your own special lures.
Saturday, July 13th – Sunset Kayak Tour from 7:14 – 9 P.M.
Experience the beauty of the sunset on the water. Join a park interpreter at the swim beach for a tour of Lake Charles as the sun sets. Wear appropriate clothing and be sure to bring plenty of water. Reservations can be made in the visitor center or by calling (870) 878-6595. There is a 5-person limit, so make your reservations early. This tour is subject to weather conditions. Meet at the south end of the swim beach.
Sunday, July 14th – Mini Survival Stove Demonstration from 11 – 11:45 A.M.
Want to learn a way to recycle in a way that is fun, useful, and helps our environment? Join a park interpreter outside the Nature Center to learn how you can turn a couple of empty soda cans into a mini stove you can use virtually anywhere!
Sunday, July 14th – Nature Center Exploration from 1 – 3 P.M.
Come explore our Nature Center and learn about some of the unique wildlife in our area. Our park interpreter will be there to help answer any questions you may have and give programs. Animals may include turtles, frogs, snakes, and more.
Sunday, July 14th – Reptile Rendezvous from 1:15 – 2 P.M.
From quick turtles and deceiving snakes to clever lizards, reptiles showcase some of the most fascinating adaptations in the animal kingdom. Join a park interpreter in the Nature Center to meet some of these amazing creatures and learn how they’ve evolved to thrive in Arkansas.
Sunday, July 14th – Do-it-Yourself: Water Filter from 3:14 – 4 P.M.
Sometimes getting clean water isn’t as easy as turning the faucet and drinking dirty water can really ruin your day. With some common household items and a few things that might surprise you, you can fix that potential problem. Join a park interpreter at the Nature Center to learn how to build you own cheap, easy water filter.
Lake Charles State Park – Office: (870)878-6595 www.ArkansasStateParks.com
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current membership chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.