
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Senior Hike to the Waterfall
Monday, September 15, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a hike to the waterfall on the Ozark Highlands Trail.
This trek is designed for hikers ages 50 and up who appreciate a shorter hike at a
more relaxed pace, but all ages are…
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Music to Your Ears: A Ukulele Highpoint Hike
Monday, September 15, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Perseverance of life at Mount Magazine State Park should be music to your ears! Let a park interpreter share some original ukulele songs on the way up to Arkansas' highpoint that highlight…
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Rabbits in the Sky and on the Ground
Monday, September 15, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
One of the many wild animals that makes Lake Fort Smith State Park its home is the Eastern cottontail rabbit. Did you know there are also rabbits that live in the sky? Meet a park interpreter…
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Reel-y Good Fishing Knots
Monday, September 15, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the grassy area near the weigh-in pavilion where you’ll learn some essential fishing knots every angler should know. Whether you're a beginner or looking to…
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Think Like a Fish
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Want to catch more fish? Want to know more about what fish eat and where they live? Meet a park interpreter to think like a fish and discover more about the fish that live in Lake Fort Smith.
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Lake Fort Smith Furbearers
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a fox? How about a bobcat? Join a park interpreter to touch some real furs and discover the furry mammals of Lake Fort Smith State Park.
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A Walk amongst the Fish
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join park staff for a walk through the visitor center and look at the aquariums. Learn how to identify the many fish living in Lake Dardanelle.
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
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Highpoint Hike
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Reaching the highpoint provides more than just bragging rights- it provides a sense of home and habitat! Join a park interpreter for a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. Seasonally appropriate…
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Finding Footprints Bingo
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ever wonder who’s wandering through the woods when you’re not looking? Join a park interpreter to learn about Mount Magazine State Park’s wildlife by identifying their tracks and uncovering their…
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Lake Cruise
Thursday, September 18, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Thursday, September 18, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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Oh, I am on a Mountain!: A Dripping Springs Trail Hike
Thursday, September 18, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
While it’s great to immerse yourself in all the trees of Mount Magazine State Park, it can be easy to forget one is on Arkansas’ tallest mountain. A hike down Dripping Springs trail serves as one…
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Nifty Nests
Thursday, September 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Just as humans live in different types of houses, birds live in different types of nests! Join a park interpreter to find out which birds live in what nests and how those nests compare to our own…
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Lake Cruise
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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Those Raccoon Rascals
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover how raccoons survive in the park and what their role in the environment with a park interpreter.
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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
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Tap into Nature
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Knock, knock—who’s there? Woodpeckers! Discover the wonders of these amazing birds with a park interpreter and get crafty with a fun activity for all ages.
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