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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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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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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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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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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…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
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Woodland Wandering
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the Bear Cave trailhead for a woodland wandering along the Boy Scout Trail. We will hike along the Boy Scout Trail across the Wild Hog Crossing and explore the…
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Merry Mountain Biking 101
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.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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Diamond Mining 101
Saturday, December 27, 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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Let's Make a Deal: Arkansas River Edition
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 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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Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
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Nosey Nelly
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Learning not to use our eyes and rely on our other senses is difficult for some. It can be a very rewarding experience if we give it a chance. Join the park interpreter in the visitor center…
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Diamond Mining 101
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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Eagle Watch Cruise
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Looking for an adventure? Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching cruise on DeGray Lake. We will spend the hour searching for wintering bald eagles, ospreys, loons, herons, grebes, ducks,…
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