
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
In Search of the White River Monster
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike along the beach and learn about the history of White River Monster sightings while watching for items that may have been mistaken for this mythical monster in the…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What's that strange thing in the bag? We often use our senses of smell, sight, and hearing to experience the outdoors, but what about our sense of touch? Join a park interpreter for this fun…
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Our "Boxy" Friends
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Do you know who your friends are that live in a “box," it is box turtles! Join a park interpreter to learn more about our “boxy” friends, and what to do if you come across one.
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Cast Iron Connections: Cooking with a Dutch Oven: Breakfast
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Gather around the fire for a hands-on cooking experience using a traditional Dutch oven. Participants will explore the history of cast iron cooking, learn basic techniques, and help prepare a tasty…
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Autumn Arboretum Trail Stroll
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to take a relaxing autumn stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that paint the unique landscape of Village…
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Dixie's Home Front
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
With their fathers, brothers, and husbands gone off to fight in the Civil War, Southern women had to do not only their own housework, but learn to take on the jobs of their male relatives, too! Join a…
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Discovery Hike
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an easy hike down the Pale Wood Trail where we will discover what nature has in store. Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, and your nature questions! Closed-toe…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
Heart Healthy
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Paddling through the Wild: A Kayak Exploration of Lake Frierson
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Glide across Lake Frierson on a guided kayak tour to discover the plants and animals that call it home. Spot turtles, birds, and frogs while learning how they survive—and how we can help protect their…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a special 2-hour open self-guided tour of the 1872 Courthouse Museum! Learn how Jacksonport became the county seat, what the building was used for after the county seat…
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You've Got Mail
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and journey back in time before the days of cell phones, e-mail, typewriters, and ink pens to learn how messages would have been written and sent in Davidsonville’s time. Make…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
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Picture Perfect
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The protections of Village Creek State Park give us endless opportunities for picture perfect memories. Even though we can’t take pieces of the park home with us, a picture lasts forever! Meet a park…
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Keep Arkansas Beautiful - Parkin Planter Project
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Parkin Archeological State Park and the Parkin Beautification Committee are partnering together to clean up the planters that line the streets of Parkin. There will be water and snacks provided. No…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
Heart Healthy
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it. Meet a park interpreter to go on a scavenger hunt and investigate what you might miss at first glance. This program is great for…
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Not So Scary Snakes
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Think all snakes are scary? Think again! In this fun, fact-filled program, students will discover the truth about snakes—how they move, why they bite (or don’t), and the important role they play at…
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Scatologist Training
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join us for "The Scoop on Poop!" and become a scatologist at Lake Frierson State Park! Explore the fascinating world of animal scat and learn how studying it can reveal what animals eat, where they…
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The S.S.S. Experience
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 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…
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