
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Bear Necessities
Saturday, November 08, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Did you know Arkansas was historically known as “The Bear State?” The story of Arkansas’ black bears is one of upheaval and resilience. Join a park interpreter to explore the history of black bears in…
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Wonder House Tour: Stories Set in Stone
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
What is the Wonder House? More than just a place, it’s an experience. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unique home offers a glimpse into life nearly a century ago. Join a park…
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Art in the Park
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Memories are made here at Lake Catherine State Park! Join a park interpreter at the swim beach to discuss the natural beauty of Lake Catherine during this lakeside painting activity.
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Orienteering
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
No service at your campsite? No worries! Forgo the online map and learn how to use a compass with a park interpreter. We will discuss how to navigate using paper maps and brush up on basic compass…
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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:15 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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Safety Sense
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
With the right knowledge, you can be prepared for anything! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn how to identify poisonous plants and how to feel confident on any outdoor adventure.
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Animal Myths: Truth or Tail?
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Have you heard that baby snakes are more dangerous than adults? Or been told you're "blind as a bat?” Join a park interpreter to explore the truth behind common animal myths, including some you may…
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DIY Wire Wrap Rock Picture Holder
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what to do with the rocks you take home from the Crater of Diamonds State Park search area? Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center classroom to make your very own rock…
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Eagle Watch Cruise
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 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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Nature Bookmarks
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Do you like to read? This is the program for you! Meet a park interpreter at the nature cabin to make a bookmark out of items found in nature.
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Picture This: Smartphone Photography
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Use professional photography techniques to capture your memories of Queen Wilhelmina State Park through the lens of a smartphone. Join a park interpreter to learn essential photography tips and simple…
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Fall Watercolors
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
With a new season comes change. Join a park interpreter by the river to illustrate changes in nature this time of year and learn about the science of fall colors in leaves.
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Wildlife Walk and Watch
Monday, November 10, 2025
/ 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Wildlife Observation Blind trailhead to take a quick ½-mile walk to the wildlife
observation blind. Along the way we will listen and look for any signs of wildlife.…
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Diamond Mining 101
Monday, November 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:15 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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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:15 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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The Floor is Lava
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Quick, get to solid ground, the floor is lava! The only way to move forward and get to safety is to correctly answer volcano myth questions. This activity will take place in the Diamond Discovery…
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Cleaning Up the Falls
Thursday, November 13, 2025
/ 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on a guided hike on the Falls Branch Trail. On the hike, we will work together and practice good stewardship of the park by picking up litter seen on the trail.
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, November 13, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:15 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 13, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.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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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 7:30 a.m. - 8 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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