
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Pedal and Pines Ride
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Carrie for a one-hour guided bicycle ride on the roads of Lake Catherine State Park. We will meet at the administration office to begin this scenic adventure. Please bring your…
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Pioneer Cemetery Tour
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
The Pioneer Cemetery is the resting place for the first settlers on Rich Mountain. Join a park interpreter at the Pioneer Cemetery to hear about life for settlers in the 1860s and the history of the…
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Woodpecker Walk (Towering Pines Trail)
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Woodpeckers can be found all over the park in several different shapes and colors. Learn how to spot evidence of woodpecker activity and discover these strange and fascinating birds on this easy hike.…
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Morning Lake Tour
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Begin your day with a peaceful cruise on Lake Ouachita! Bring a warm drink as a park interpreter will serve as your guide while you admire the scenery, wildlife, and stories of Lake Ouachita.…
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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, May 11, 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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Finding Woody
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Woodpeckers scatter the forest here at Lake Catherine State Park. Join Park Interpreter Carrie at the amphitheater to learn more about these birds and go on a search for a few. We will walk 1/2-mile…
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Bear Necessities
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Arkansas was historically known as "The Bear State" for its plentiful population of black bears. Join a park interpreter to hear about the history of black bears in the state and why they are so…
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The Great Green Gobbler
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hop on into the spring while discovering how bullfrogs hunt their food. This program will last about 30 minutes and is in the nature cabin. Come ready to hop along and see if you can make it as a…
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops and unique islands. Seating is limited; reservations can be made beginning…
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Pinecone Bird Feeders
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Birds eat various things, from worms to fish, to seeds and insects. Join a park interpreter to learn all about the diet of birds while we make an all-natural bird feeder for you to take home…
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Critter Feeding
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles and more!
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Diamond Mining 101
Monday, May 12, 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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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Chinquapin Chat
Thursday, May 15, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Ozark Chinquapin Grove, located along the Caddo Bend Service Road, to explore our nursery of young trees being reintroduced to Lake Ouachita State Park. Learn about the…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, May 15, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Bank Fishing
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Itchin’ to go fishin’? Join a park interpreter at the shoreline to practice your fishing skills and unearth the ecological importance of riparian zones. If you have your own fishing pole,…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, May 16, 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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Casting Contest
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
When it comes to fishing at Lake Ouachita State Park, practice makes perfect! Join a park interpreter to discover the diverse gamefish species found in Lake Ouachita while practicing your casting…
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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever lost a fish off your line because the hook slipped the knot? Tying a good knot helps all anglers to have the best fishing experience in Lake Ouachita. Come join a park interpreter to…
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