Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation helps kickoff statewide celebration with National Two Lights for Tomorrow

Thursday April 17, 2025

 

Coming Soon: The 250th Birthday of the United States

(Statewide) - Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) employees, volunteers and state park visitors join Idaho and the nation for Two Lights for Tomorrow. The initiative commemorates the famous ride of Paul Revere that occurred overnight on April 18 – 19, 1775 and marks a call to celebrate and serve in advance of the 250th Birthday of the United States.

Friday, April 18, 2025: Many Idaho state parks will have Two Lights for Tomorrow symbolic lanterns lit to honor Idaho’s place in American history and our shared outdoor past, present and future.

Saturday, April 19, 2025: IDPR and state parks will participate in Two Lights for Tomorrow Service Day, a statewide day of hands-on volunteering to help preserve and enhance the experience at Idaho’s state parks.

Featured Two Lights for Tomorrow Celebrations at Idaho State Parks

Visit the IDPR Find a Park webpage for location details: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/find-a-park/
Note: Some volunteer efforts are full. Public opportunities are noted. Events are subject to change. Please contact the park for additional information. 

State Parks: Southwest Region

  • Lucky Peak State Park: Volunteers (list is full) will assist with parking, shuttles, and visitor coordination for the iconic 45th Annual Race to Robie Creek, an event known for its challenging terrain, breathtaking views, and tight-knit spirit. Two lanterns will be on display at the park on April 18.
  • Thousand Springs State Park: The local 4-H club will host a retiring of the colors while reciting the Paul Revere poem April 19. The public is encouraged to attend.
  • Lake Cascade State Park: Displaying two lit lanterns as well as hosting a reading on April 18 at 3 p.m. for the public. On April 19 at 10 a.m., volunteers (volunteer list is full) will participate in a beach cleanup and parking area spring clean effort, restoring the shoreline and readying the area for peak-season use.
  • Eagle Island State Park: Displaying two lit lanterns on April 18 with a park cleanup project on April 19 (volunteer list is full).
  • Ponderosa State Park: Two lanterns on display at Visitor Center.
  • Bruneau Dunes State Park: Two antique lamps will be displayed on shepherd hooks at the Visitor Center entrance with signage for public viewing.
  • Three Island Crossing State Park: Two lit lanterns will be on display and public education provided on the meaning behind the lanterns.

State Parks: Southeast Region

  • Harriman State Park: Lanterns lit in numerous locations in the park with educational signage.
  • Lake Walcott State Park: Lanterns on display and work crews on Service Day.
  • Massacre Rocks State Park: Lanterns on display and clean up for Service Day.
  • Land of the Yankee Fork State Park: Two lanterns displayed at the entrance into the Interpretive Center. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow book on display inside as well as a copy of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
  • Castle Rocks State Park: On April 18 there will be a craft station where children can make an “American Flag” tissue paper suncatcher in the shape of an Easter egg. Lanterns will be on display.

 State Parks: North Region

  • Heyburn State Park: Lantern lighting at 2 p.m. on April 18 at the Visitor Center with a reading on the meaning of the event with selected phrases of “Paul Revere’s Ride.” A trail cleanup will take place April 19 at 10:30 a.m. beginning at the Visitor Center.
  • Farragut State Park: Lanterns on display at the Visitor Center and a local volunteer group serving on April 19.

Celebrate by becoming a volunteer for Idaho State Parks

While Two Lights for Tomorrow is a special weekend, volunteering with IDPR happens year-round. Every year, around 600 volunteers play a vital role in daily state park operations, educational outreach, conservation, and special events.

Volunteer roles include:

  • Campground Hosts – Welcoming visitors and assisting staff
  • Interpretive Hosts – Leading talks, hikes, and educational programs
  • Visitor Services Hosts – Answering questions and supporting guest services
  • Maintenance Hosts – Supporting trail, facility, and grounds upkeep
  • Special Projects Volunteers – From planting to painting to planning events

Whether solo or in a group, for a day or a season, every volunteer contributes to improving access, connecting people to adventure and history, and preserving Idaho’s outdoor legacy.Learn about volunteering with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/volunteering/

Visit America2050 Idaho: https://america250.idaho.gov/

Follow IDPR on Facebook to keep track of Two Lights for Tomorrow events and see photos: https://www.facebook.com/idahostateparksandrecreation

###

Media Contact
Robbie Johnson
Communications Manager
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
robbie.johnson@idpr.idaho.gov
Cell: 208-631-7536