
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Inching Along Big Ben Hike
Thursday, September 25, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Little things at Village Creek State Park can lead you on big adventures! Join a park interpreter to hunt for natural objects one inch or smaller in size as we hike along the 0.5-mile Big Ben Trail…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Grab Bag Adventures
Thursday, September 25, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you brave enough to stick your hand into the unknown depths of the nature grab bag and try to guess what's inside? Meet the park interpreter for this hilarious audience participation adventure…
Read more
Mammals of Village Creek
Thursday, September 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age!
Read more
Birding 101
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Songbird Symphony
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s diverse birds create a symphony of bird songs for our enjoyment! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn more about the birds in this symphony, quick tips for…
Read more
Owl Prowl: Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
When we peek into the darkness, the superpowers of nocturnal animals come into the light! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about Village Creek State Park’s diverse owls and the…
Read more
Kayak Birding
Saturday, September 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Birding is an adventure that doesn't just take place on land! Join a park interpreter to get a unique view of the birds in the park as you kayak the still waters of Lake Dunn. Kayaks, paddles, and…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Echoing Footsteps Hike
Saturday, September 27, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
As you walk the Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Military…
Heart Healthy
Read more

The S.S.S. Experience
Saturday, September 27, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s natural beauty sets the stage for us to enjoy the perfect camping combo: The S.S.S. Experience (Sunsets, S’mores, and Songs). Join a park interpreter outside the visitor…
Read more
Hike and Seek
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
For many animals at Village Creek State Park, how good you are at the game of “Hide and Seek” could be the difference between life and death! Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to hike…
Read more
Mammals of Village Creek
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age!
Read more
Creek Crawl
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Village Creek State Park is home to a world of hidden critters! Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center as we walk to creek to explore the biodiversity the park provides. Please wear…
Read more
Guided Hike: The Eternal Flame
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Over 200 years ago, 660 Cherokee walked the Military Road that runs through Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter at the Lake Austell boat ramp parking lot as we hike Military Road Trail…
Read more
Birding 101
Thursday, October 02, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Old as a Tree
Thursday, October 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Are you as old as a tree? Join a park interpreter to discover how to tell the age of a tree and what happened during its life. You will also have the opportunity to create your own…
Read more
What's the Catch?
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while uncovering the secret…
Read more
Nature Connections Stroll
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to connect with nature on the Arboretum Trail. We will use our senses to explore what makes Village Creek State Park Special, all while capturing our discoveries on paper. This…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Fire Building Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
What’s a camping trip without a campfire? From making s’mores to sharing campfire stories, sitting around a campfire can spark lifelong memories. Join a park interpreter to learn…
Read more
Dutch Oven Cooking: Pumpkin Spice Cake
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Join the park interpreters to learn about the history of Dutch oven cooking for early Arkansas pioneers, then stay to make a tasty pumpkin spice cake dessert. Bring your friends and family for a fall…
Read more
Great Arkansas Cleanup
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join us for the Keep Arkansas Beautiful 2025 Great Arkansas Cleanup and help protect our valuable park resources with a day of park litter removal! Please check in on the day of the event at the…
Read more