
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Tap into Nature
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Knock, knock—who’s there? Woodpeckers! Discover the wonders of these amazing birds with a park interpreter and get crafty with a fun activity for all ages.
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Macroinvertebrates Look & Learn Table
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle has an abundance of macroinvertebrates living in the water. Stop by the park interpreter’s Look & Learn Table at the visitor center to find out what some of our macroinvertebrates…
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Do You Know Butterflies?
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
How
much do you know about the butterflies of Mount Magazine State Park? Play a fun
interactive game that familiarizes you with our friends that flutter! This
program will be best enjoyed by ages…
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Hidden Creatures
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Humans wear camouflage to blend in while hunting, and sometimes just for style. But, animals have to use camouflage to survive in the wild. Meet a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation…
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Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the open pavilion for some tips on cooking in a Dutch oven, weather permitting. We will cover the basics of cast iron care, Dutch oven uses, and temperature control. Food…
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Star Party
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Discover the Wonders of the Night Sky! Join park staff and the Northwest Arkansas Astronomical Society at the pavilion for an
evening of stargazing. Bring your own telescope or binoculars or explore…
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Star Songs
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Enjoy some original guitar songs inspired by the stars that light up Mount Magazine State Park's beautiful dark skies as you relax on the lodge terrace!
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All Tied Up!
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
By learning basic knot tying skills, you can learn to set up your campsite quickly and efficiently. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn to tie a few…
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Breakfast in the Den: a Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a morning of flavorful exploration as we showcase the art of crafting delicious breakfast treats in Arkansas' official state cooking vessel, the cast iron Dutch oven. We…
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Hidden Histories of the Monument Trails
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Embark on an engaging journey through time with a park interpreter as we discover the fascinating stories behind out Monument Trail names that connect back to Devil's Den State Park's rich history.…
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Nature Journals
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Ever wish you had a picture of something you saw but didn't have a camera? Nature journals are a sure way to have that picture and never have to get a picture printed. Join a park interpreter in the…
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Critter Quest on the Monument Trail
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a quick adventure into nature’s hidden corners. We’ll search high and low - peeking under rocks, check trees, and explore the forest floor to uncover tiny creatures like…
Heart Healthy
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Light It Up
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The power of the Arkansas River lights up your world and life in the river valley every day. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the Arkansas River…
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Mountain Songs on the Lodge Terrace
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy the beautiful view of Blue Mountain and Blue Mountain Lake, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.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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Afternoon Kayak Tour
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and spend the afternoon exploring beautiful Beaver Lake while learning the basics of kayaking. Meet at the visitor center and then caravan
to the launch site. All equipment is…
Heart Healthy
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Slithering Snakes
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover how to tell the difference between a venomous and non-venomous snake. Then don't miss out on the chance to meet some of our snake residents here at Lake Dardanelle State Park.
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Nature Encounters
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many recreational opportunities for us to enjoy. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room for this program designed to give visitors the chance to…
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Tree Tales on the Monument Trails
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Discover the secret life of the forest on a 0.25-mile moderate hike along the Monument Trails. Led by a park interpreter, this scenic loop reveals how fallen trees still nourish wildlife, shelter…
Heart Healthy
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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