
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Color Scavenger Hunt
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to search for what colors can be found around Woolly Hollow. This program is great for kids of any age and…
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Life in Lake Bailey
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a chance to examine the unseen life that resides beneath the surface of Lake Bailey. We will learn about the unique ecosystem our lake supports, and the aquatic…
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Campfire Craft
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Want to learn how to build a fire? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn how to build your own! This program will last around 30 minutes.
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Fungus Among Us
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover the process of decomposition. This program will include a demonstration as well as a short, easy hike on the Gold Creek Loop Trail to…
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Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike down a small section of the Boy Scout Trail. This hike will lead us up along the canyon for a spectacular view of the Cedar Creek canyon. Be sure to wear sturdy…
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Under the Stars at Lake Sylvia
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Enjoy the nights sky with a park interpreter! Look through a telescope to see the full moon and learn about the stars.
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Full Moon Hike to Cedar Falls
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
To know Petit Jean State Park, you have to know
Cedar Falls. But have you known this waterfall at night? Join a park interpreter at the breezeway of Mather Lodge for a special moonlit hike down…
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Natural Bridge Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
When the area known as Petit Jean State Park was set aside as a public land in 1923, it set precedent for the establishment of state parks in Arkansas. Meet a park interpreter at the Seven…
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Intro to Fishing Lake Bailey - Bluegill
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn how to catch one of Lake Bailey's most common fish species, the bluegill sunfish. We will learn how to set up your rod, tie on your hook and look for bait. At the end,…
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Animal Tracking
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Learn how to trace animals at Lake Sylvia with a park interpreter. Play a fun game to win a prize!
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Gold Creek Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Gold Creek trailhead for a 1/5th-mile hike to become acquainted with some of the birds, trees, and wildflowers that live in Woolly Hollow State Park. Wear…
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Bear Cave Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
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To Be a Seed
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover what a seed must overcome in its journey to germination, as well as the different methods of seed dispersal. This program includes a…
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Trills and Thrills: Cicada Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
We aren’t the only returning visitors to Petit Jean State Park! Join a park interpreter at Pavilion A to discover who is chirping and buzzing in the treetops: our annual and periodical cicadas!…
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Reading the Land - Topo Maps 101
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
A topographic map is one of the best tools to have in your backpack on all your adventures, but especially at Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter at the Palisades Overlook to…
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Sunset on the Lake
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 8:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the fishing pier to connect with the world around you and enjoy a beautiful sunset over Lake Bennet. This program is great for making memories with family and friends.
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Night Hike on the Seven Hollows Trail
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a special night-hiking experience along a short section of the Seven Hollows Trail. Please bring along a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes.
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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
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Huckleberry Nature Hike
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a 3.5-mile guided hike around Lake Bennett to become more acquainted with the native flora and fauna seen in the park. This is a moderate hike and is expected to last…
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Feathered Flyers Weekend
Saturday, July 12, 2025 - Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Attention all "bird brains": This weekend was made for you! Bird watching hikes, bird trivia, raptor visits, and plenty of feathers will fly throughout the weekend. Join our interpretive staff to…
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