
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Cast Away!
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You can cast away your worries and reel in the fun at Lake Frierson State Park. Join the park interpreter to test out your casting skills, see what is in Lake Frierson, and reel in fun opportunities…
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Arboretum Trail Stroll
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a relaxing stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that make up the unique landscape of Village Creek State Park This is a…
Heart Healthy
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Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Eagles and hawks are not the only raptors soaring overhead. Join a park interpreter to unlock the secrets of success which vultures have mastered. From eyesight and smell to teamwork and smarts,…
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Evening Kayak Tour
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Looking for a unique summer evening adventure by the lake? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful kayak tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village Creek…
Heart Healthy
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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Most of the critters living at Lake Poinsett State Park are nocturnal and only come out at night. Join a park interpreter to discuss these nighttime critter calls, behaviors, and how to spot them…
Heart Healthy
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Birding Basics
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Birding is a great way to tune in to the sounds and sights of Lake Frierson State Park. Join the park interpreter to learn more about birding and how you can get started with this fun hobby. After…
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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
Heart Healthy
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Wildflower Walk
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the park interpreter for a leisurely walk to view some of Lake Frierson State Park's native wildflowers. Discover how important these flowers are to the park and learn how you can enjoy them for…
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Fly Fishing 101
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Think fly fishing can only be done in world-class trout rivers? Think again! Fly fishing can be done anywhere that conventional tackle is used, but with special considerations for certain types of…
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Nature Journaling
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Nature journaling isn't just about drawing! Join a park interpreter to learn a few different ways to nature journal and start your own journal about your time at Lake Poinsett State Park. Materials…
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White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Step into the past of Jackson County and discover the economic power of King Cotton. This white gold was the economic backbone of the south during the 19th century and allowed the people of Jackson…
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Nature’s Palette – Art from the Outdoors
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Get creative with the colors and textures of nature! In this hands-on program, families will use leaves, pinecones, sticks, and more to craft one-of-a-kind nature art. Along the way, we’ll talk about…
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Guess That Critter!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
How much do you know, or think you know, about the critters that make Jacksonport State Park their home? From mammals to birds to reptiles, this is a chance to hone your cognitive skills with other…
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Fur Trapping and Trading
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the exhibit area of the visitor center to learn more about one way to make a living in Arkansas Territory! Fur trapping and trading was an important part of the economy in…
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Survival Shelter Building
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.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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Water Safety
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Dunn? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
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Snapshot of Nature: Lake Frierson BioBlitz
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join us for a BioBlitz at Lake Frierson State Park! Learn how to use iNaturalist, explore different habitats, and help us document the incredible biodiversity right here in the park. Whether you’re a…
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Safety With A Splash
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
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Ready, Aim, Fire!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Cannons are an iconic part of the Civil War battlefield. Join a park interpreter to learn more about these explosive weapons of war, and go through the same drill soldiers would have learned in order…
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Tunstall's Racehorses and Steamboats
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Thomas Todd Tunstall was the founder of Jacksonport and a fascinating man. He made, lost, and made again several small fortunes throughout his life from his two passions, racehorses and steamboats.…
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