state parks day

All Texas state parks offer free entry for one day in November

Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose is one of the many state parks that will have free entry on November 2.

tpwd.texas.gov/

North Texans who haven't touched grass recently will get their chance to reconnect with nature at a local state park for free for one day only this fall. In honor of Texas State Parks Day on Sunday, November 2, Texas residents can enjoy free admission to more than 85 state parks.

It has been a stellar year for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The department has acquired several parcels of land to create new state parks or expand existing ones, and it's actively working on a deal to acquire a 54,000-acre ranch outside San Antonio. In May 2025, TPWD launched its new podcast that dives into park conservation initiatives, explores "hidden gem" parks around the state, and more.

Now the agency is gearing up for its third annual free admission day, which was established during the Texas State Parks Centennial Celebration.

The department recommends travelers reserve "Save the Day" passes to guarantee entry to the park they want to visit. Day passes are non-transferable, only valid for a visitor's chosen entry time slot, and are valid until 10 pm or whenever the park closes.

The following parks around North Texas will have free admission on Texas State Parks Day:

Cedar Hill State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose
Cleburne State Park
Meridian State Park
Lake Whitney State Park
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Pilot Point
Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point
Purtis Creek State Park, Eustace

Visitors heading west should keep in mind that they won't be able to access Palo Pinto Mountains State Park in Strawn, which closed for construction in January 2025.

Dallasites who want to get the most out of their day can visit award-winning Garner State Park, which was named one of the top 10 best state parks in the U.S. for 2025. The spacious park is about 350 miles from Dallas, and sits on 1,774 acres of land. Hikers have 16 miles of trails to explore across varying difficulties, or visitors can swim, float, or kayak down 2.9 miles of the Frio River that runs through the park.

Day passes for Texas State Parks Day can be reserved online or by calling the TPWD customer service center at 512-389-8900.

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ain't we got fun

New Vegas-inspired Carnival cruise ship to dock on Texas coast in 2028

Carnival Tropicale to homeport in Galveston in 2028

Photo courtesy of Carnival

Galveston will be home to two of Carnival's three newest ships when the Carnival Tropicale docks in 2028.

A new massive Carnival cruise ship — the Carnival Tropicale — will bring "old-Vegas flair" and tropical charm to Galveston in 2028. The Carnival Tropicale will join a fleet of four other Carnival cruise ships currently homeporting in the coastal city.

The Excel-class ship was named after Carnival's original 1982 cruise ship, MS Tropicale, which defined the cruise line's "Fun Ship" era that made "entertainment and shared joy as central as the destinations themselves," according to a release.

The Carnival Tropicale also serves as an embodiment of the cruise line's 26-year history in partnership with the Port of Galveston. In 2024, Carnival celebrated a milestone as the first cruise line to bring over 10 million guests to Galveston in 2024.

"Carnival’s continued investment in the Port of Galveston is a big reason why we’re the cruise port of choice for a growing number of Americans and why we’re setting new growth records year over year," said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. "Carnival has been a valued partner for this port and this community for 26 years. We look forward to many more years of growth together."

Carnival Tropicale to homeport in Galveston in 2028 TBD if the Carnival Tropicale will actually have horns.Photo courtesy of Carnival

Carnival Tropicale will accommodate more than 6,000 guests and feature showstopping experiences typical of Carnival's Excel-class ships. The Sunsation Point top deck entertainment zone and the Carnival WaterWorks Ultra will offer all-day and all-night fun with six waterslides, two splash pads, a mini golf course, outdoor games, an arcade, and much more.

The Carnival website also teases vibrant live performances inspired by "the golden age of show business" in Las Vegas.

The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas to reflect Carnival's "focus on innovation and sustainability" and take some inspiration from its sister ship, Carnival Festivale, which will dock in Florida's Port Canaveral in 2027.

Carnival Tropicale is expected to sail year-round after it ports in Galveston in 2028, and reservations and trip itineraries are expected to be released later in 2026. Those who want to be first in line for updates and promotions can register online at carnival.com.

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