Friends of Shore Acres

10/28/2026

Reservations are open. Get your parking spot reserved early! https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=385&shem=isphe,&fbclid=IwRlRTSAVOrGxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAWZkaWQWURJs1vDI2BHPJTEqefAx_X83Kl0UOXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHh-iIW4iGMXJYpSq30BnTZkDPQA0hJO_kK2WpHmSgusAblqHXxmYKTtAESku_aem_CSYQ7upC3yMUPuR_dJb0qQ

10/20/2026

The Friends of Shore Acres is sad to share the news of the passing of volunteer Charles “Lou” Kolkhorst. Lou, along with his wife Sharon managed the Shore Acres Information and Gift Center since 2002. In 2003, the new building was constructed to look like a small replica of the original mansion.

Over the years, this hardworking couple built it into one of the finest gift shops on the Oregon Coast. The store has received many compliments from visitors over the years. When Sharon passed, Lou continued to manage the shop on his own. It has grown every year, funding many improvements and projects at Shore Acres State Park and the Sunset Bay Management Unit.

The Friends of Shore Acres is very blessed to have such dedicated volunteers. Lou and Sharon leave a legacy of solid commitment that has left a huge mark on this community. RIP Lou, you have worked hard all your life. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and are so very proud you were a part of our team.

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It is with a heavy heart that we share the memorial page for Charles Louis "Lou" Kolkhorst.

We invite you to read their obituary, find details regarding the upcoming services, and share your own cherished memories or photos on the tribute wall.

Thank you for your love and support during this time. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/charles-kolkhorst-obituary?id=62742570&utm_source=webshareapi&utm_medium=share_button&utm_campaign=wsapimobile_beta

10/05/2026

***Advisory***

Effective October 7th, 2026 - October 23rd 2026

The Shore Acres Information and Gift Center is getting a little refresh on the outside of the building.

Exterior maintenance and painting will take place Oct 7-23 with contractors working onsite. The Shore Acres will remain open during regular business hours. (Note: Reduced store hours from 11 am to 3 pm will occur until October 9th due volunteer shortage!)

Please watch your step and use caution around work areas and equipment.

Thanks for your patience while we spruce thing up!

09/25/2026

Tales from the past including the the Shore Acres 50 Dahlia named in honor of Shore Acres State Park 50th Anniversary in 1992.

https://shoreacres.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Autumn-1992-Journal-Vol.-6-No.-1.pdf?shem=aimgspe,

09/17/2026

Join park staff for Dahlia Day on September 26th, 2026. The Shore Acres Garden House will be open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, featuring vibrant dahlia displays and Park Rangers available to answer questions and offer gardening tips. Please come join the fun!

09/17/2026

We carry a full line of Silver Forest earrings at the Shore Acres Information and Gift Center. Hand crafted in Bellow Falls, Vermont. They have a great repeat purchase policy, but 5 pairs and get a pair for free by sending your completed Silver Forest proof of purchase post card to the factory. Ask for a postcard every where they are sold. They also have a great replacement policy if you lose one of your earrings, they will try their best to match the lost earring. Come check it out!

09/09/2026

Sunset Bay and Shore Acres Astronomy Festival is September 10-12th. Come join the fun!

🔭 The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 10-12.

✨ Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 10 and 11 and a star party each night.

Click the 🔗 for more details: https://bit.ly/3SWonDg

07/17/2026

In a Landscape is returning to Shore Acres State Park in August. Check it out!

https://inalandscape.org/shore-acres-state-park-8-29-2026/

06/27/2026

The annual free Shore Acres Oregon Coast Music Festival is happening on Saturday, July 18th at noon. Parking is $10/12 at the entrance gate or an OPRD annual day-use pass is accepted. Attendees are allowed to bring chairs and a picnic lunch while enjoying the festive concert.

The Gothard Sisters Greta, Willow and Solana are Northwest based contemporary Celtic folk multi-instrumentalists, composers, performers and songwriters. This is their second appearance at Shore Acres in the Oregon Coast Music Festival. The sisters display their love of nature, classical and traditional folk music and dance in each performance. They have released 11 albums and performed over 2,000 live shows over the course of their career.

06/17/2026

June 21st is Rose Sunday / Father’s Day at Shore Acres State Park

Celebrate Father’s Day among the colorful rose blooms at Shore Acres Garden! Explore the variety of roses in full display and enjoy the serene beauty of the garden.

Park Rangers will be on hand in the Garden House from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm to answer questions and share helpful tips for growing and caring for roses. Make Father’s Day unforgettable with a day surrounded by roses and coastal beauty!

While entrance to the gardens is free, a $10 daily parking fee or a valid Oregon State Park pass is required to visit the park and garden.