
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Art in the Park
Sunday, October 05, 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.
Read more
Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
Read more
State Park Explorers: Discover, Protect, and Connect
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join the park interpreter on a fun-filled adventure to become a State Park Explorer! This interactive program is designed for kids ages 6–14 to explore what state parks are, learn how to stay safe,…
Read more
Early Birder Hike
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
Read more
The Pioneer Cemetery: A Lasting Legacy
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Tucked away on Rich Mountain lies the final resting place of the area’s earliest settlers. Join a park interpreter at the Pioneer Cemetery to uncover stories of life on the mountain in the 1860s and…
Read more
Daisy Morning Kayak Tour
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a morning kayak paddle on Lake Greeson. This is an easy kayak expedition, perfect for first time kayakers or those wanting a relaxing activity. Bring clothing and shoes…
Read more
Talk Like A Sailor 101
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Have you ever wondered where some of the phrases we use came from? Surprisingly, many originated from steamboat lingo. Join a park interpreter and learn how these phrases may or may not have changed…
Read more
Bug Out! - A Game of Bug Bingo
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join us for a fun, hands-on bug bingo adventure where kids and families learn to identify local insects and arthropods. Discover the important roles bugs play in the park’s ecosystem while exploring…
Read more
Leave No Trace
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Come to the amphitheater to learn how to practice the seven ethical principles of Leave No Trace and how they apply to Lake Catherine State Park. Leave No Trace helps us be better stewards of our…
Read more
Grab Bag Adventures
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you brave enough to stick your hand into the unknown depths of the nature grab bag and try to guess what's inside? Meet the park interpreter for this hilarious audience participation adventure…
Read more
Mountain Medicine
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Settlers originally sought out Rich Mountain to help heal medical ailments, restore the weary, and bolster the soul. The mountain has a long history of providing a source of natural medicine. Join a…
Read more
Erosion in Motion
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Erosion has shaped past, present and future at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover the unique geology of the park and the stories erosion simultaneously preserves and…
Read more
Feel the Furs
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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.
Read more
The Colors of History
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Before the invention of the synthetic dyes we use now, people used the plants, minerals, and sometimes the animals around them to color their clothes. Join a park interpreter to learn more about how…
Read more
Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a special 2-hour open self-guided tour of the 1872 Courthouse Museum! Learn how Jacksonport became the county seat, what the building was used for after the county seat…
Read more
Scenic Lake Cruise
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops and unique islands. Seating is limited; reservations can be made beginning…
Read more
Bear Necessities
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 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…
Read more
Lure It Your Way
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to design and decorate your very own fishing lure! Learn what attracts fish to lures and the types of fish that can be found in Lake Devil. All materials provided, just bring…
Read more
Critter Feeding
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles and more!
Read more
Picture Perfect
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The protections of Village Creek State Park give us endless opportunities for picture perfect memories. Even though we can’t take pieces of the park home with us, a picture lasts forever! Meet a park…
Read more