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Events

Including Events at Cowan Lake

May 2026

UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENSS

Click here or here for last-minute announcements regarding scheduled events because of weather or other circumstances.
Click here for a printable Winter 2025 calendar.

Friday May 22 - Memorial Day Weekend

Wild at Heart - Meet the Raptors

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Meet our wildlife ambassadors up close. Learn about raptors you may see in the park.
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Cabin.

Archery

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Join us for archery. Equipment and instruction provided. Must be onsite before 3pm to participate
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Cabin

Lightning Bug Flashlight Tag

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Did you know there are over 25 species of lighting bugs in Ohio?
Meet us for a fun game while learning about these important pollinators
Bring a flashlight or borrow one of ours
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center

Saturday May 23

Kayak / Canoe Wildlife Excursion in the Campground

10:00 am - 11:30 am
Participants must be onsite by 10:00 am to participate
Early arrival is recommended
All equipment and instruction provided
Equipment is limited. First come, first serve
Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Length of excursions will vary
Weather dependent
Fun for the whole family
Meet at the Cowan Lake Campground Beach. Free

Stand-Up Paddle Board

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Participants must be onsite by 1:00 pm to participate
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Meet at the Cowan Lake Campground Beach. Free

Stand-Up Paddle Board

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Participants must be onsite by 1:00 pm to participate
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Meet at the Cowan Lake Campground Beach. Free

Sunday May 24

Kayak / Canoe Wildlife Excursion

10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Participants must be onsite by 10:00 am to participate
Early arrival is recommended
All equipment and instruction provided
Equipment is limited. First come, first serve
Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Length of excursions will vary
Weather dependent
Fun for the whole family
Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Beach. Free

Stand-Up Paddle Board

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Participants must be onsite by 1pm to participate
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Beach. Free

Stand-Up Paddle Board

Ongoing groups
Participants must be onsite by 1:00 pm to participate
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Beach. Free

Thursday May 28

Backyard Birds and Beyond

10:00 am-11:30 am
Join us to observe backyard birds and other wildlife
Learn ways to create healthy and sustainable wildlife areas in your backyard
Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center

Wildlife Connections, Sustainability and our Natural Resources

1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Meet the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Nature Center and our Outdoor Land Labs. We will focus on different things each time including live animals, a moon garden, native plants, pollinators, geology, the night sky and more.
Learn about special places in the park
Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center

Friday May 29

Fly Your Kite with the Birds at the Beach

2:30 pm-4:30 pm
Learn how birds fly
Bring your own kite as we put it into action
Meet at the Caesar Creek public beach

Blue Moon Canoe - Sunset Paddle

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Participants must be onsite by 6:30 pm to participate
Join us for a special canoe / kayak program as we watch the sunset and the blue moon rise over the lake
Early arrival recommended
All equipment and instruction provided
Equipment is limited. First come, first serve
Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Length of excursions will vary
Weather dependent
Fun for the whole family
Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Beach. Free

Saturday May 30

Kayak / Canoe Wildlife Excursion in the Campground

10:00 am - 11:30 am
Participants must be onsite by 10:00 am to participate
Early arrival is recommended
All equipment and instruction provided
Equipment is limited. First come, first serve
Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Length of excursions will vary
Weather dependent
Fun for the whole family
Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Boat Ramp parking lot. Free

Stand-Up Paddle Board

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Participants must be onsite by 1:00 pm to participate
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Beach. Free

Stand-Up Paddle Board

2:30pm - 3:30pm
Participants must be onsite by 1:00 pm to participate
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Beach. Free

Sunday May 31

Kayak / Canoe Wildlife Excursion

10:00 am -12:00 pm
Participants must be onsite by 10:00 am to participate
Early arrival is recommended
All equipment and instruction provided
Equipment is limited. First come, first serve
Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Length of excursions will vary
Weather dependent
Fun for the whole family
Meet at the Cowan Lake Campground Boat Ramp parking lot. Free

Stand-Up Paddle Board

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Participants must be onsite by 1pm to participate
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Meet at the Cowan Lake Campground Boat Ramp parking lot. Free

Stand-Up Paddle Board

Ongoing programs
Participants must be onsite by 1:00 pm to participate
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Meet at the Cowan Lake Campground Boat Ramp parking lot. Free

June 2026

UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENSS

Click here or here for last-minute announcements regarding scheduled events because of weather or other circumstances.
Click here for a printable Winter 2025 calendar.

Learn and Conserve

9:30 am - 10:30 am
Join us to learn about composting basics, local native and invasive species, and how to become a better land steward.
The pace and activities adapt to the group and conditions making each experience unique.
Optional: Stay afterward to join our volunteer crew for hands-on land management projects such as native planting or invasive removal.
Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Friday, June 5: World Environment Day Walk

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike to learn about this annual celebration, explore local habitats, and discover simple ways to care for the natural world.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Firefly Night

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for an evening to explore the magical world of fireflies. Learn about their life cycle, glowing signals, and the role they play in local ecosystems.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Saturday, June 6: Youth Fishing Derby

8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Registration for the Youth Fishing Derby starts at 8:00 am. Fishing starts at 9:00 am
This special event is in partnership with Massie Township
Bring your own pole or borrow one of ours
Bring your own bait
Bring lawn chairs and shade umbrellas
The Youth Fishing Derby is for children under the age of fifteen. Parents may assist when needed. Children must be accompanied by a licensed adult
Meet the naturalist and volunteers. Optional - Visit our four learning stations; casting, pole rigging, local information and fish handling
Fun for the whole family
Check the park facebook page for more information as the date gets closer
Meet at the Youth Pond, located near the Marina
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw
Sunday, June 7: Birding from Boats

10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join us for a canoe and kayak excursion as we observe birds along the shoreline from our boats.
Learn why birding is important as we practice observation skills.
Learn how to collect information for citizen science and wildlife research.
This family friendly program is a fun way to explore the lake, practice basic paddling skills, and see the park form a new perspective.
Wear sturdy shoes (not flip flops).
Boats (limited), gear and instruction are provided by the park naturalist.
First come, first serve.
Meet at the Yak Shack, located near the campground boat ramp.
Free and open to the public.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Kayaking Skills and Paddling Techniques

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Learn about different kinds of kayaks and paddles and why they matter. Learn how to load and launch your boat properly. Practice paddling strokes and turning techniques. Learn different rescue maneuvers with our Watercraft Safety Crew. This program is geared for adults. Wear sturdy shoes (not flip flops) and clothes that can get wet. Boats (limited), gear and instruction are provided. First come, first serve. Meet at the Yak Shack, located near the campground boat ramp. Free and open to the public. Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw
Thursday, June 18: Learn and Conserve

9:30 am - 10:30 am
Join us to learn about composting basics, local native and invasive species, and how to become a better land steward.
The pace and activities adapt to the group and conditions making each experience unique.
Optional: Stay afterward to join our volunteer crew for hands-on land management projects such as native planting or invasive removal.
Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Friday, June 19: Biodiversity Challenge

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Team up in small groups, families, or pairs for a hands-on biodiversity challenge! Using identification apps like Seek or iNaturalist, participants will explore the area and record as many different species as they can find.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Sensory Exploration Walk

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike as we explore the woods through the five senses. Along this walk, we'll pause for simple activities that help us experience nature in new and meaningful ways.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Saturday, June 20: Explore the Shore

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join us for a guided exploration of the lake's shoreline as we discover the plants, wildlife, and other natural features that make this unique habitat so dynamic.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Sunday, June 21: The Longest Day Hike

10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Join the Park Naturalist for a guided 13-mile hike around the Perimeter Trail. during the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. 'The Longest Day Hike' is a nationwide event for Alzheimer's awareness
Learn about wildlife and park history along the way
Bring a small pack with water and snacks
Meet at the Nature Center
Park Naturalist: TBD

Thursday, June 25

Restoring the Wild Through Land Stewardship

9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Meet the naturalist, volunteers and partner organizations as we continue efforts to restore the area around the Nature Center to native habitat
Learn how to identify native and invasive species, and how they affect wildlife
Discover ways to remove invasive species through discussion and observation
Participation is welcomed if you'd like to try invasive removal efforts alongside us; not expected. Bring boots and gloves if you'd like to join us
Weather dependent
Length of sessions vary
Meet at the Nature Center
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Moon Garden Exploration

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join us outside the Nature Center as we explore our moon garden land lab. Learn how to create your own at home.
Learn how pale blossoms, sweet scents, and thoughtful garden design can support wildlife and essential nocturnal pollinators. We'll also talk about how responsible outdoor lighting helps protect fireflies, moths, birds and the natural rhythm of the night.
This program is great for families, gardeners, nature lovers and anyone curious about what a moon garden is.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Friday, June 26

Archery - Robin Hood Style

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Meet us at the Nature Center as we step into the legendary world of Robin Hood, the skilled archer of Sherwood Forest known for courage, adventure, and helping others.
Participants will learn basic archery safety, proper shooting form, and target practice skills while connecting this timeless outdoor activity to one of the most famous archery stories in history.
This beginner friendly program is designed for fun, focus, and skill building. Take the Robin Hood Archery Challenge.
Equipment and instruction provided.
Must be on-site before 1pm to register and participate.
Fun for the whole family.
Free and open to the public
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Saturday, June 27

Paddle Through Time - Geology and Park History from the Water

1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Join us for a canoe and kayak excursion as we explore Caesar Creek's unique geology and park history from the water. Participants will paddle along the shoreline to observe a stratified fossil wall from their boat and learn how ancient seas, fossil, rock layers and local history help tell the story of Caesar Creek.
We will not be collecting fossils during this excursion; however, we will discuss how visitors can get a free collecting permit from the Corps of Engineers while in the park.
Participants will also learn basic canoeing and kayak skills during this family friendly program.
Boats, gear and instruction are provided
Equipment is limited. First come, first serve
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Weather dependent
Fun for the whole family
Meet at the Yak Shack near the Campground Boat Ramp.
Free and open to the public
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Firefly Fest

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm with the option to stay longer
Meet at the Public Beach
Free and open to the public
Save the date for the Firefly Fest, a special evening of summer fun! Join us at the Caesar Creek Public Beach Shelter House. This event will offer opportunities for a firefly catch and release, and a guided firefly walk with the Park Naturalist, firefly themes games, hands on nature stations, firefly flashlight tag, glow activities, stargazing and opportunities to learn about Ohio's 25 species of lighting bugs!
Visitors will also learn how to identify fireflies with their flash patterns, where to find different species, and how to track fireflies from your own backyard through the Firefly Atlas Citizen Science project.
Visitor will learn why fireflies are important at every stage of life - from their role as larvae in the soil and leaf litter to their work as adult pollinators lighting up warm summer nights. Together, we will look at how protecting our watershed, streamside habitats, natural areas, night skies, and backyards help this important insect survive.
This family friendly event will include co-hosts such as Little Miami Watershed Network, Dark Sky Ohio, the Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek, and ODNR.
More details will be posted on our social media page as the event gets closer.
All are welcome!
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

The Fine Print

All programs are subject to change.
Notify the naturalist if special accommodations are needed for your participation.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Call: (513) 897-3055
Visit: ohiostateparks.org/caesarcreekstatepark
Find us: https://www.facebook.com/CaesarCreekStatePark
Recreation programs and activities can be inherently dangerous. Participants accept and acknowledge that any injury or property damage that occurs during a program or activity is not the responsibility of ODNR or its naturalist educators.

More Resources

More resources for planning your outing

Link to Caesar creek State Park Facebook page

USACE Caesar Creek Gateway

Link to current lake level as text and as graph

Link to current weather and 7-day forcast

Link to BeachGuard water quality reports

Link to U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center page

Organizations

This website, Caesarcreeklake.net is not an official website. It's a hobby and one of the goals is to organize and present material that would otherwise be scattered and hard to find. Here is a list of official organizations with links to thier official web pages: