
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Slithering Snakes
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room as we discover some fun facts about the snakes that call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Discover how to tell the difference between a…
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Rabbits in the Sky and on the Ground
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
One of the many wild animals that makes Lake Fort Smith State Park its home is the Eastern cottontail rabbit. Did you know there are also rabbits that live in the sky? Meet a park interpreter…
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Sensory Grab Bag
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Can you identify
items in nature? Join a park interpreter to discover how well you can
identify things in nature by using just your sense of touch! It’s not as easy
as it sounds, but it’s really fun!…
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Bear Cookie Drop
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Let gravity be
your friend in this Plinko-style interactive program that helps you get-to-know the American black bears of Mount Magazine State Park! All ages
will enjoy this program, especially ages…
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Dutch Oven Cooking Look & Learn Table
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Curious about cast iron cooking? Stop by our Dutch Oven Look & Learn Table in the visitor center to see Dutch ovens up close, explore how they work, and discover how people have used them for…
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Devil's Den Softball
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join the park interpreters for softball. Come be a part of this living legacy! We have gloves, bats, and balls, but we need you for a game! Meet at the ball field in Camp Area…
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Pathfinders: Pioneers of the Pedal
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 8:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Mountain biking has a
rich history, with its early roots dating back to the late 19th
century in Ft Missoula, Montana, and evolving into a thriving contemporary
scene. Join Assistant Superintendent…
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Lake Cruise
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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Highpoint Hike
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Reaching the highpoint provides more than just bragging rights- it provides a sense of home and habitat! Join a park interpreter for a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. Seasonally appropriate…
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Kick and Pick
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Remember when you used to go craw-daddin’? Meet a park interpreter to take a short walk to the water of Lee Creek to see what tiny, aquatic living
things live under the rocks in the water. Please…
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Leave No Trace Tabletop
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
The
choices you make when you are outside make a big difference. The Leave No Trace principles are important for all ages, but especially for girls and boys who are just
beginning to experience…
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Animal Mythbusters
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Can you really catch warts from a toad? Join a park interpreter to “bust” the myths and misconceptions about certain animals that we may have heard all our lives.
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Exploring Nature
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Looking for an escape from your daily routine? Escape to Lake Fort Smith State Park and explore nature on a much deeper level by making connections to your natural surroundings. Meet at the service…
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Going on a Bug Hike
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Insects
and other invertebrates are very important but are often misunderstood. Join a park interpreter on a bug hunt around the visitor center as we discover their
diversity and learn how we can help…
Heart Healthy
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Woodland Birding Hike
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The forests of Lake Fort Smith State Park offer the perfect habitat for tree birds like nuthatches, woodpeckers, vireos, and warblers. Join a park interpreter for a short hike to search for these…
Heart Healthy
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, July 08, 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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We Can Take It
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 8:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
This motto of the Civilian Conservation Corps inspired the boys of 1933! Join the assistant superintendent to discover their story and the history of Devil’s Den State Park tonight at the…
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Color Walk
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
The great outdoors is filled with many colorful things. Thanks to Lake Dardanelle’s diverse habitats, you can discover just how bright and colorful the world around you is. Join a park interpreter at…
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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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"Got Water?" Monument Trail Tabletop
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Water is essential to have available on your
outdoor adventures, whether hiking or biking the trails. Learn how to figure
out how much water you need to take on hikes or rides to avoid…
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