
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Fashion a Fish
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room Learn about the wide variety of shapes and sizes of fish that live in Lake Dardanelle due to its health and diversity. After you discover…
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Reptiles of the River
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle is home to variety of wildlife, but do you ever wonder just what there is out there in the river? Are there snakes, is that a snapping turtle? Join a park interpreter in the visitor…
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Know Your Knots
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The difference between a great fishing experience and a sour fishing experience at Lake Catherine State Park may rely on your knowledge of knots. Join a park interpreter to discover how to make your…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, November 20, 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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Feel the Furs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what a deer feels like? What about a bear? Explore the world of animal furs with a park interpreter at the trailhead.
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Duck, Duck Goose
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.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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Birding Hike on the Little Missouri
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Meet a park Interpreter at the trailhead of the Little Missouri River Trail to learn all about the world of birding. This 1.2-mile trail winds its way through the woods from the campground to the…
Heart Healthy
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, November 21, 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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Old as a Tree
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Are you as old as a tree? Join a park interpreter to discover how to tell the age of a tree and what happened during its life. You will also have the opportunity to create your own…
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Animals Found Underground
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore burrowing animals! Learn why animals burrow underground and how it helps them to survive. Win a cool prize by playing a game matching animals to their burrows!
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Autumn Adventure Quest
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Drop by the breezeway at Mather Lodge and take on the Autumn Adventure Quest! Pick up a quest card and complete fun seasonal challenges—like spotting fall leaves, discovering wildlife clues,…
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Origami Folding: Forest Friends
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Ready to try your hand at folding origami animals? Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to learn about the native wildlife around Village Creek State Park that call the forest home.…
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Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking Demonstration: Apple Cobbler
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Once a cherished possession of explorers and settlers, the Dutch oven holds a significant place in Arkansas history. Join Park Interpreter Jaden to learn how to cook outdoors and without electricity.…
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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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Don't Tread on Me
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Jackson County is home to many species of snakes but not all of them are dangerous to humans. In fact, many are helpful! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tell the difference between venomous…
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What's Up? A Deeper Look At Mount Magazine's Dark Skies
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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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Tunstall's Racehorses and Steamboats
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thomas Todd Tunstall was the founder of Jacksonport and a fascinating man. He made, lost, and made again several small fortunes throughout his life from his two passions, racehorses and steamboats.…
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The Moth Stop
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
When the sun sets, Mount Magazine State Park comes alive with fluttering wings! Join a park interpreter at a glowing moth cloth to meet the hidden pollinators of the night and discover their…
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Canstellations
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 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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