
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Bear Necessities
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 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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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Arkansas, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources you might…
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Arkansas Black Bear
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Did you know that Arkansas used to be called the Bear State? Join a park interpreter for a fascinating program on the history and present habitat of bears in Arkansas. This program is full…
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Marsh Mystery
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. We have to be careful when enjoying these opportunities so that we…
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The S.S.S. Experience
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s natural beauty sets the stage for us to enjoy the perfect camping combo: The S.S.S. Experience (Sunsets, S’mores, and Songs). Join a park interpreter outside the visitor…
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Campfire Stories, Songs and S’mores
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy stories, songs, and s’mores around the campfire with a park interpreter. Share river memories, nature facts, and classic songs. Bring a chair or blanket, mosquito repellent, and dress for the…
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Moonlight Mammals
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Ever spot a bat in flight? Join a park interpreter for an evening of skywatching as bats soar overhead! We'll explore the fascinating bat species of Devil’s Den State Park and dive into the impact of…
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The Moth Stop
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 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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Wild Herbal Field Trip & Medicinal Plant Symposium
The Ozark Folk Center State Park will host the annual Wild Herbal Field Trip & Medicinal Plant Symposium for students, practitioners and teachers of the herbal arts. The symposium takes place…
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Ghost Walks
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 12 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.
Powhatan and Northeast Arkansas have a long, rich history. Century-old buildings, the Black River, and old cemeteries play host to Powhatan’s ghost stories, folktales, and legends. What makes the…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, October 18, 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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Meet a Tree
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
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A Better Campfire
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
You can build a better campfire. Whether at the campsite or an emergency situation, fire starting is a valuable skill. Meet a park interpreter and discover various methods of starting a fire and…
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Leave No Trace Monument Trail Tabletop
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The
choices you make when you are outside make a big difference. The Leave No Trace principles are important for all ages, but especially for girls and boys who are just
beginning to experience…
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Diamond Mining 101
Saturday, October 18, 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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Life on the Edge
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Do you know what an edge habitat is? Join a park interpreter to find out as we wander along part of the southern terminus of the Devil’s Racetrack Monument Trail!
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