
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Lake Cruise
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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T.R.A.I.L.S.
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Don’t leave home without it! Join a park interpreter to hike the Big Ben Trail and discover the must-haves to remain safe and have fun on trails. The Big Ben Trail is a moderately…
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Birding 101
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
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Those Raccoon Rascals
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover how raccoons survive in the park and what their role in the environment with a park interpreter.
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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
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Pollinators and their 'Buds'
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about the wildflowers and pollinators of Village Creek State Park, then create a take-home paper flower memento. This program is fun for the whole family.
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Marsh Mystery
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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 that we…
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Tap into Nature
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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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Don't Tread on Me
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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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Let's Go Bigfoot Hunting
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Did you know that a mighty big legend has left footprints on the history of Crowley's Ridge? It's true! Before the Boggy Creek Monster of western Arkansas, there was the Wild Man of Crowley's Ridge.…
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A Better Campfire
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.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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In this Life
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Many intriguing lives have been lived on Mount Magazine. Through a fun interactive activity, get a glimpse of some of these lives and how they have shaped the unique nature and history of Mount…
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Dip Net Discovery
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
What tiny creatures are hiding in the waters of Lake Frierson? Join a park interpreter in this hands-on activity to discover and discuss the roles of Lake Frierson's macroinvertebrates. Wear clothes…
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Possum Passel
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You've probably seen one squashed on the side of the road, and you might have even driven through the town of Possum Grape, but how much do you really know about these elusive creatures? Join a park…
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Skull Sleuth
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What does the shape of an animal’s skull tell you about that animal? Solve the mystery with a park interpreter as we become skull sleuths!
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Meet a Critter
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where a park interpreter has a critter for you to meet up close!
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Great Migration Challenge
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Each year, over 350 bird species travel hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to find the food they need to survive. Lake Dardanelle State Park makes a perfect place for them to find this food…
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Guided Hike: The Eternal Flame
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Over 200 years ago, 660 Cherokee walked the Military Road that runs through Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter at the Lake Austell boat ramp parking lot as we hike Military Road Trail…
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Light My Fire: DIY Firestarter
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Discover various ways to make a firestarter with a park interpreter and create one to take with you for your evening campfire.
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, September 19, 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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