Goose Island State Park, surrounded by the St. Charles and Aransas Bays, is located north of Rockport, Texas. The earliest park facilities, including the Recreation Hall made of “shellcrete” bricks, were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. Shellcrete is like concrete, but built with crushed shells instead of gravel.

Although located on Aransas Bay, there is no swimming area at Goose Island SP. The shoreline is comprised of concrete bulkhead, oyster shell, mud flat, and marsh grass. The main recreational activities are camping, excellent birding, and fishing (the park participates in the "Loan A Tackle Program" and lends out fishing tackle to visitors.) Other activities include picnicking, boating (motors allowed), nature study, wildlife observation, and wildlife photography. Tours: Guided nature hikes are held year round. Guided birding tours are held from January through April.

Within the park is the "Big Tree," named State Champion Coastal Live Oak in 1969. It is thought to be one of the largest in the nation. Estimated to be over 1000 years old, the "Big Tree" has a circumference of 35 feet, is 44 feet in height and has a crown spread of 90 feet.

Area Attractions include: Located directly across St. Charles Bay from the park are the wintering grounds for rare and endangered whooping cranes in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Also nearby are the Copano Bay Fishing Pier, Mustang Island State Park, Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, Texas Maritime Museum, and the Texas State Aquarium in the City of Corpus Christi.

For more information about the variety of camping facilities and park activities, please visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/goose_island/
(Taken from various TPWD publications)

I hope you enjoy your visit to Goose Island State Park. And if you go, I hope you take a look at "Big Tree," and the building made with unusual shellcrete bricks.

--John C.



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