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Petit Jean State Parks
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Picture This: Smartphone Photography
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Use professional photography techniques to capture your memories of Queen Wilhelmina State Park through the lens of a smartphone. Join a park interpreter to learn essential photography tips and simple…
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Diamond Mining 101
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter on the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Diamond Mining 101
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter on the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Handmade Holidays: Salt Dough Ornaments - Part 2
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Now that your ornaments have baked & cooled, come back to add paint, ribbon, glitter, & your unique personality to the decoration you made the previous day.
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Eagle Watch Tour
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita provides remarkable habitat for bald eagles. Join us for an eagle watch tour on Lake Ouachita to look for these majestic birds in their natural environment. Dress warmly and bring…
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Eagle Watch Tour
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita provides remarkable habitat for bald eagles. Join us for an eagle watch tour on Lake Ouachita to look for these majestic birds in their natural environment. Dress warmly and bring…
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Nature Bingo Hike: Christmas Edition
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
It’s easy to overlook the wonders around us when we’re focused on the trail ahead. Meet a park interpreter for a 1-mile hike along the Spring Trail paired with a special edition of Christmas Nature…
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Handmade Holidays: Pinecone Owl Ornaments
Monday, December 22, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Meet in the Hearth Room to turn your pinecone into an owl ornament with the help of a park interpreter. We’ll provide all the supplies you need to craft a whimsical owl, perfect for decorating your…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
/ 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.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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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter on the upper level of the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Constellation Can Lanterns
Thursday, December 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Craft a lantern using real star patterns. Bring your own can or use one provided. This is a fun, hands-on way to celebrate the night sky while learning about constellations visible from Arkansas.
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Constellation Can Lanterns
Thursday, December 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Craft a lantern using real star patterns. Bring your own can or use one provided. This is a fun, hands-on way to celebrate the night sky while learning about constellations visible from Arkansas.
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Monument Trails: Plate to Paths
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a gentle 2-mile hike along the Monument Trails as we enjoy the fresh air and winter scenery. Take a break from the holiday bustle, stretch your legs, and connect with…
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 26, 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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Last Sleigh: Ugly Sweater Hike
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a fun 2-mile hike to explore the Yellow Rock area and enjoy the views from the Yellow Rock Overlook. We know you’re not quite ready to retire your holiday gear — bring out…
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Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
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DIY Fire Starter
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Having trouble getting your campfire started? Join a park interpreter to learn fire-building techniques and how to make your own fire starter from materials around your home. We promise this…
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Twilight Toasts
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Gather at the historic CCC-built Café Pavilion for a warm, relaxing evening by the fire. Enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider while connecting with friends, family, and nature. Take in the glow of the…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.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…
Read more