
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Cotton Ginning Demonstration
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
How many of us have heard of the cotton gin? You might even know the name of the man credited with inventing the machine. But do you actually know
what a cotton gin does and how it works? Join…
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Diamond Mining 101
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Den Diaries and Morning Sips
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Start your morning with a cup of coffee and a campfire as we explore the stories that shaped Devil’s Den State Park. Join a park interpreter in the quiet magic of an Ozark morning to hear about the…
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Bats of Arkansas
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
What's that flying in the evening sky? Is it a bird? Is it a bug? No, it's a bat! Did you know that bats are an ancient species going back an approximately 50-60 million years. Today, there are over…
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Survival Shelter Building
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
What are the main things we need to survive a night out in the woods? Learn these and different shelter types that will work in different situations. Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State…
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What in the World Are Webworms?
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Ever hear of fall webworms? What about a giant mess of webs high up in a tree? I bet you've seen them! Join a park interpreter to learn more about these commonly spotted webs and the creatures that…
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Nature Arts and Crafts: Fall Leaf Prints
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the main pavilion to create a beautiful fall leaf print! We will learn why leaves change in fall as we create a keepsake print or card of Daisy State Park. All materials are…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, October 25, 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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Great Migration Challenge
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Each year, over 350 bird species travel hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to find the food they need to survive. Lake Dardanelle State Park makes a perfect place for them to find this food…
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Watercolor Bugs
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Cossatot River State Park is home to many tiny, crawly creatures that have colorful features and patterns. Think of a red ladybug with spots, or a beetle with a smooth, green body. Join a park…
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
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In-Seine Adventure
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many opportunities for enjoyment as it journeys through Lake Dardanelle. What all lives in the lake besides fish and turtles? Well, here is your chance to find out. We will…
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Turtle Talk
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Daisy State Park provides diverse habitats for all types of species large and small. Join park staff at the visitor center to discover some of the smaller creatures and what they eat in this real-life…
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Cotton Ginning Demonstration
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How many of us have heard of the cotton gin? You might even know the name of the man credited with inventing the machine. But do you actually know
what a cotton gin does and how it works? Join…
Read more
Camping 101
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park Interpreter at the open pavilion to learn the basic about camping. Set yourself up to make some great memories with family or friends.
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Eco-Artistry: Wooden Coasters
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy the scenic beauty at Lake Sylvia Recreation Area while creating a craft! At this program, you will paint your own wooden coaster made from materials found at the park. This program may be held…
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Ceremonial Site Tour
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Plum Bayou Mounds site is one of the largest and most impressive archeological sites in the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Occupied by American Indians from about 650 to 1050 AD, this site is…
Heart Healthy
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Witches' Brew
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
What would a witch or warlock put in their caldron from Pinnacle Mountain State Park to make a batch of witches' brew? Learn about local spooky plants and fungi with a park interpreter such as…
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Meet a Snake
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
This is your chance to meet a live snake. Join the park interpreter to learn more about the park's most misunderstood creatures and why they call this place home.
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