
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Pedals and Preparation: The Essentials of Mountain Biking
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the basics of mountain biking safety and preparedness. Discover what gear to carry and how to handle common trail challenges. Whether you're new to the sport or need a…
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Lake Cruise
Friday, October 10, 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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Reading the Land - Topo Maps 101
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
A topographic map is one of the best tools to have in your backpack on all your adventures, but especially at Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter at the
Palisades Overlook to…
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Icky, Sticky Spider Webs
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Ever wondered why some spider webs look like wheels while others resemble tangled threads? Join a park interpreter and discover the fascinating secrets behind the many web designs crafted by different…
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Hiking with Nature Sense
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to put your sense of sight, touch, smell, and hearing to the test as you explore some of the natural wonders of Lake Fort Smith State Park. Meet at the…
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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Stroll with a park interpreter into some intriguing history of early settlers on Mount Magazine State Park. Guests will also see some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes from Cameron’s…
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Expedition Petit Jean
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the breezeway at Mather Lodge for Expedition Petit Jean, a 2-hour hiking program focused on planning your perfect park adventure with your abilities, experience,…
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Discovering Nature Journals
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Preserve your memories and experiences in the great outdoors in a journal. Meet a park interpreter outside the Lake Center to make your own journal and learn some outdoor journaling…
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Nocturnal Animals
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn about all of the nocturnal critters that call Lake Sylvia home!
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
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Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this easy, handicap accessible, 1/4-mile stroll. We will talk about some of the things that make Petit Jean State Park a special place, as well as enjoy the view of Cedar…
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Woodland Wander on Devil's Race Track
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and wander along the Monument trails to search for a variety of wildlife and plants. This hike is 2-miles in length, please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and don't forget…
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Light My Fire: DIY Firestarter
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Discover various ways to make a firestarter with a park interpreter and create one to take with you for your evening campfire.
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Natural Bridge Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
When the area known as Petit Jean State Park was set aside as a public land in 1923, it set precedent for the establishment of state parks in Arkansas. Meet a park interpreter at the Seven…
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Bats vs. Moths
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How do bats catch something as small as a moth at night? How do moths try to avoid getting eaten by bats? Join a park interpreter to learn all about it and play a game of bats vs. moths.
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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Cameron Bluff Overlook learn how to help Mount Magazine State Park identify and count broad-winged hawks! Participants could
potentially view broad-winged…
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Woolly Mammals
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter at the Woolly Cabin to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age and will last around…
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Skull Sleuth
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
What does the shape of an animal’s skull tell you about that animal? Solve the mystery with a park interpreter as we become skull sleuths!
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Letterboxing
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Letterboxing is an activity that has been around for centuries. All it takes is a journal, stamp, clues, and a compass. Come to the visitor center Orientation Room to learn about…
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Feeding Time at the Lake
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wildlife requires a proper diet for their survival, and you can help. Meet a park interpreter as we discuss native foods that are essential for our wild and curated animals and also take part in their…
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