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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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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What's Up? A Deeper Look At Mount Magazine's Dark Skies
Friday, December 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mount Magazine State Park's very dark skies are quite an experience for both heart and mind. With the help of a park interpreter, take a deeper look into “the anatomy” of the vast space that is so…
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Backyard Bird Cafe
Friday, December 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Winter is a beautiful time of year at Cane Creek State Park, and part of that beauty comes from the multitude of birds that migrate here in the cooler months. The best way to see these fascinating…
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Make a Snowflake
Friday, December 19, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Relax and unwind as you learn about snow while making a fun and festive craft! Engage in a brief program with a park interpreter about the science of snow. Then enjoy crafting a beautiful snowflake…
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Eagle Measure Up
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Bald eagles are incredible not only for their beauty and speed but for their size as well. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the park to learn about the bald eagles that call Lake…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
The diverse habitats around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities for discovery and exploration. Meet a park interpreter at the visitor center Orientation Room to find out what is in…
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Tools of Survival
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
How did early Arkansans survive without modern tools? Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to explore the traditional tools and weapons used for…
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Canstellations
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Learn about the importance of the night sky here at Cane Creek State Park. Then take trash and turn it into a neat star-gazing decoration with the park interpreter. All materials are provided.
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Finding Woody
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover the many woodpeckers that make Petit Jean State Park their home. The program will include a short walk by Lake
Bailey for a chance to see a few. Bring…
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Duck, Duck Goose
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor enter to learn about the unique traits of waterfowl and their habitats at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Discover how conservation…
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Knots and Navigation
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Carrie to put your knot tying skills to the test. Then join in to find a hidden spot using your navigation abilities. This program lasts about 30 minutes.
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Pine Needle Masterpieces
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
The forests of Lake Dardanelle State Park are filled with many pine trees. These trees played an important role in the development of the state of Arkansas and also support wildlife. They can also be…
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Dutch Oven Cooking Look & Learn Table
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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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Biomimicry
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Plants and animals have been adapting to their surroundings for ages. It seems only natural that people would look to nature for innovations to help us adapt and create. Join a park interpreter in the…
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 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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DIY Fire Starter
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 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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Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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…
Read more
Let's Make a Deal: Arkansas River Edition
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
In the early 1800s, the Arkansas River connected diverse communities through trade and exchange. Goods carried stories, relationships shaped survival, and every deal mattered. Meet a park…
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Merry Mountain Biking 101
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cane Creek State Park is the destination in December for fun-filled, hands-on demonstration of cycling. Meet a park interpreter to discover the working parts of your bicycle, as well as safety tips…
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