Texas State Parks set a national record on New Year’s Day 2026, with 12,835 participants logging over 28,000 miles to achieve record-high turnout for the fourth consecutive year.

The Odessa American is the leading source of local news, information, entertainment and sports for the Permian Basin.

Last week, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced that it had approved a record-setting amount of funding for parks across the state. In total, more than $21 million will be allocated to 50 ...

SAN ANTONIO – Want to start the New Year off with a fresh start? Starting on Wednesday night, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is hosting its annual First Day Hike at a Texas State Park.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- On November 2, Texas will offer free admission to all 89 state parks. In honor of Texas State Parks Day, Texans can enjoy day-use activities like hiking, park programs, biking ...

For the fourth straight year, Texas state Parks kicked off the new year by breaking historical participation numbers at First ...

Texas is poised to make the second-largest acquisition of parkland in its history this week under an ambitious program that seeks pull the state up from the bottom tier when it comes to state-owned ...

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved more than $21.2 million in local parks grants, setting a new record for ...

If your New Year's resolution is to exercise more or get outdoors, start 2026 on the right foot with a First Day Hike. First Day Hikes is a nationwide program to encourage hiking on New Year's Day, ...

DALLAS — All 85 of Texas's state Parks will be free for visitors on Nov. 2, the agency announced. On Nov. 2 the state will forgo the $8 entry fee charged at the state's parks in honor of Texas State ...