CELEBRATE FALL AT WHISKEYTOWN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

The leaves are beginning to turn and fall fun is in the air at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area!
To celebrate the new season, the National Park Service has announced a full schedule of events including the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit along with the annual Harvest Festival.
We’re excited to share a press release from the National Park Service outlining all of the great fall programming they have in store at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
From moonlit kayaking to patio boat tours and a virtual roundtable discussion, there are many ways to commemorate JFK’s legacy and dedication of the dam 60 years ago. The Harvest Festival and annular eclipse viewing will also make for memorable Whiskeytown fall experiences.
Keep reading to see the full schedule of events and activities happening at Whiskeytown this autumn! It’s the perfect time to take in the beautiful fall scenery while enjoying fun recreational opportunities and learning about the area’s unique history.
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Sunset over Whiskeytown Lake near Redding, California
Fall Adventures at Whiskeytown
The following information originated from a National Park Service Press Release issued on September 14, 2023.
Whiskeytown, CA – Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is delighted to announce our fall activity schedule for 2023.
Whiskeytown is in full swing to celebrate fall season with the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to dedicate the Clair A. Hill/Whiskeytown Dam as well as the annual Harvest Festival at the Tower House Historic District.
“President Kennedy was an inspiration to many people and his legacy of conservation has inspired both Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and the other units of the National Park Service for 60 plus years,” says Park Superintendent Josh Hoines. “We are excited about presenting an entire week of events starting with National Public Lands Day on September 23rd with a Fee Free Day and continuing through the 30th with several programs talking about Kennedy, including various in person activities and an online round table discussion.”
Additional JFK 60th Anniversary programs include moonlit kayaks, patio boat tours, screening of the documentary of Kennedy’s visit to the area, and interpretive offerings at the Kennedy Memorial by the Glory Hole.

JFK shaking hands at the Whiskeytown Dam dedication on September 28, 1963.
Event schedule for the JFK 60th Anniversary:
- September 23rd, National Public Lands Day
- Fee Free Day
- 9:00am – Volunteer Clean-Up Project at the Tower House Historic District
- September 27th
- 7:30pm – Moonlit Kayak Tour (reservations may be made through Recreation.gov)
- September 28th
- 10:00am to 2:00pm – Interpretive display at the Kennedy Memorial at Whiskeytown Dam
- 10:00am and 12:00pm – Patio Boat Tours (reservations may be made through Recreation.gov)
- 7:00pm – Virtual John F. Kennedy Round Table. Please follow this link to register for the event.
- September 29th
- 10:00am and 12:00pm – Patio Boat Tours (reservations may be made through Recreation.gov)
- 7:00pm – Screening of President Kennedy’s visit to Whiskeytown and the Dedication of the Clair A. Hill/Whiskeytown Dam at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater
- September 30th
- 9:00am – Morning Kayak Tour (reservations may be made through Recreation.gov)
- 7:30pm – Moonlit Kayak Tour (reservations may be made through Recreation.gov)

President Kenney at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area | Photo Credit: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library/NARA
Soon after the JFK 60th Anniversary events, we invite you to come out for the fall harvest at the Tower House Historic District. On October 7th, Whiskeytown invites everyone to join us and many of our partners at the Tower House Historic District for a variety of fun and entertaining activities.
Mother Nature will also be providing an October surprise with an Annular Eclipse on October 14th at 9:00am. Solar-safe telescopes will be set up in the Oak Bottom Boat Launch Parking Lot.
Details about these and other fall events will be coming soon via our Facebook and Instagram channels as well as the park’s calendar. You can find the calendar by following this link.
For questions about Whiskeytown’s programs, contact Whiskeytown Information at [email protected].