Near Strawn, the new park starts a March 1 soft opening with hiking, biking and Tucker Lake fishing—the first new Texas park in more than a decade.

Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Licking, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James -- begins Sunday.

There’s a moment when you first step onto the trails at Dixon Springs State Park when the world seems to shift. The air smells different here in this tucked-away corner of Pope County, Illinois – ...