09-24 | Caddo Lake State Park is the Next Recipient of the Centennial Time Capsule

Sept. 24, 2026

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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AUSTIN — Just like a park-loving Texan, the Centennial Time Capsule, is off to its next location as it roams the Lone Star State for 50 years on a quest to visit every park. This time, it is moving to Caddo Lake State Park after its summer stay at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

One object from every state park and support program is housed in the time capsule, encompassing 100 years of Texas State Parks history. Park staff chose an item that would tell a story about each site, fit in a box the size of a coffee mug, survive 50 years and be strong enough to travel the roads of Texas.

The capsule has now visited five parks, each for six months at a time. On Sept. 26, it will make the Caddo Lake visitor’s center in Karnack its home, staying on display in East Texas until it’s time to move to its new destination in the spring.

“Caddo Lake State Park is proud of the deep history that is held within its quiet, moss draped landscape and hosting the traveling Texas State Park Time Capsule feels like we will witness history taking shape,” said assistant superintendent Daniel Rios. “This special wooden legacy capsule will bring a sense of excitement and curiosity to the park, which will help to remind people that today’s moments will one day become tomorrow’s stories.”

Park guests will be able to enjoy the time capsule up close in our visitor’s center and wonder what treasures are held inside.

“It will be one more enchanting secret in the mysterious swamp of Caddo Lake State Park,” added Rios. “Our park rangers will safeguard the time capsule during its stay here to help ensure it reaches its 2074 grand opening.”

Guests are invited to view the capsule and make their own memories while it’s at Caddo Lake, leaving a piece of their story for the generations who will one day view its opening.

“Since the Texas State Park Time Capsule showed up this spring, life at Palo Duro Canyon has been busy in all the usual ways,” said superintendent David Fischer. “Improving facilities, stewarding the canyon, responding to emergencies, and doing the day-to-day work that keeps this place running for future generations. This season wasn’t without its challenges, but even with all that, the park remained a place where people come together.”

Palo Duro Canyon celebrated its 92nd birthday, nearly a century of people exploring, learning and making memories there.

“Through it all, the Time Capsule has been a symbol of the legacy of Texas State Parks,” added Fischer. “While it’s been here, our team has shown exactly what that legacy looks like in practice: daily stewardship, customer service, and a commitment to keep this place thriving for decades to come. When the capsule heads to Caddo Lake this fall, it will leave a season full of hard work, resilience, teamwork and progress behind.”

The five-foot-tall wooden time capsule weighs more than 300 pounds and was made from pecan trees harvested at Mother Neff State Park, the site widely accepted as the first Texas State Park opened to the public. It is made from solid wood and bronze and is large enough to hold more than 100 items. Sitting atop the capsule is a sculpture in the shape of Texas with all park locations marked. Additionally, there are 100 name plates recognizing all contributing parks and programs, six regional bas relief panels and a plaque on the front with a message to the future.

“Time capsules are usually buried in the ground and forgotten until it’s time to open them, but ours will remain on display, so we wanted it to be a work of art and showcase the excellent craftsmanship of our exhibit team,” said Stephen Garrett, Exhibits Manager for Texas State Parks. “This is something totally unique and I don’t think anyone’s ever made a time capsule quite like this before. I’m proud of the thought, care and work that went into the capsule’s creation and hope park visitors enjoy seeing it as much as we did creating it.”

A video about the Centennial Time Capsule is available on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s YouTube channel. For more information on Texas State Parks, visit the TPWD webpage.