Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Daybreak Diamond Tour
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.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…
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Bear Aware
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
What are American black bears doing this time of year? Stop by to investigate the life of a black bear with a park interpreter and learn how you can be bear aware. This is a come-and-go station.
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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, November 02, 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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Wealth in the Water
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Discover the fascinating world of White River pearling as the residents of Jacksonport experienced it at the turn of the 20th century. See the equipment used by divers and learn about the multitude of…
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Art in the Park
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Memories are made here at Lake Catherine State Park! Join a park interpreter at the swim beach to discuss the natural beauty of Lake Catherine during this lakeside painting activity.
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Wonder House Tour: Stories Set in Stone
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
What is the Wonder House? More than just a place, it’s an experience. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unique home offers a glimpse into life nearly a century ago. Join a park…
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Safety Sense
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
With the right knowledge, you can be prepared for anything! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn how to identify poisonous plants and how to feel confident on any outdoor adventure.
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Pinecone Bat Craft
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Bats may be spooky, but they are also fascinating! Join a park interpreter in the Hearth Room to learn about these night flyers while creating your very own pinecone bat to take home.
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, November 02, 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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Eagle Watch Cruise
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Looking for an adventure? Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching cruise on DeGray Lake. We will spend the hour searching for wintering bald eagles, ospreys, loons, herons, grebes, ducks,…
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Owl's Last Supper
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
It's dissection time! Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to discover the owls of Lake Catherine State Park and what makes them so special. We will be dissecting real owl pellets to take a…
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Silent Flight
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Silently, swiftly and skillfully, owls fly over our heads at night. Have you ever wondered why owls are so different from other birds? Learn about the interesting adaptation of owls that help our…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, November 06, 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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Match that Mammal
Thursday, November 06, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to test your knowledge of mammals! We will be using a combination of tracks and furs to identify some of the mammals found here at the park.
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Snakes of Arkansas
Thursday, November 06, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin for a creative introduction to snakes! Learn how to identify the venomous snakes of Arkansas. Participants will have the opportunity to see a speckled…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, November 06, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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Discovery Hike
Friday, November 07, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on the Slunger Creek Nature Trail to explore the sights and sounds Lake Catherine State Park has to offer. This stroll takes about 30 minutes and is about 3/4-mile long. Be…
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Know Your Knots
Friday, November 07, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The difference between a great fishing experience and a sour fishing experience at Lake Catherine State Park may rely on your knowledge of knots. Join a park interpreter to discover how to make your…
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