PHOENIX – Looking for a way to celebrate the last summer three-day weekend? What better way than by heading outside to explore your amazing state parks. Here are the top three ways to make the most of your three-day weekend. 

Picnic and paddle on a lake or river

Pack a lunch to enjoy a waterside picnic on the beach or under a shady ramada at one of the beautiful lake or river parks. Stretch your legs with a stroll at Dankworth Pond State Park in Safford as you take in the scenery of the impressive Mount Graham towering nearby. Rockin' River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde is the newest park and offers Verde River access in a stunning natural setting. Patagonia Lake State Park in southern Arizona is perfect for a weekend on the water, kayaking, boating or swimming near the white-sand beach. 

Take a walk back in time and explore history at a park

Explore northeastern Arizona's Homolovi State Park, where you can snag a last-minute campsite and soak up cooler temperatures on the Colorado Plateau. Here along the floodplains of the Little Colorado River, you can see historical pueblo sites and learn about Hopi history. Head to Flagstaff to visit Riordan Mansion State Historic Park and experience this architectural masterpiece that housed two families and saw the boom of the logging era and the birth of Flagstaff. In southern Arizona, swing by Tubac Presido State Historic Park to explore the ruins of the oldest Spanish presidio in Arizona, built in 1752. The park also showcases one of the oldest territorial schoolhouses and the original hand-press from the state's first newspaper.

Get up close and personal with Arizona’s wildlife

Arizona's state parks offer great spaces to take a seat on one of the benches or wildlife blinds and wait to spot unique birds or mammals, like Harris's hawks, cardinals, Gambel's quail, Coues white-tailed deer, javelina, gray fox, or cottontail rabbits. Learn more about the wildlife that call the parks home.

Now that you have some ideas, check the weather, round up your family or best pals, and pack some snacks and plenty of water for a scenic drive over the long weekend. 

Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov