
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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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…
Heart Healthy
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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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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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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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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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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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Under Construction
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures, including animal architects. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the…
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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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Sunset Art
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
As the sun goes down on Lake Dardanelle, the sky is lit up with beautiful colors glowing in the sky. Join a park interpreter in the picnic area between the visitor center and the weigh-in pavilion as…
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Star Party
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Discover the Wonders of the Night Sky! Join park staff and the Northwest Arkansas Astronomical Society at the pavilion for an
evening of stargazing. Bring your own telescope or binoculars or explore…
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Moonlight Mammals
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8 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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Rings Over Magazine: Saturn Viewing
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturn will be visible in Mount Magazine’s remarkably dark skies! Try to catch a glimpse of those iconic rings with a park interpreter from Cameron
Bluff Overlook! Be sure to dress in seasonally…
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Nature vs. Nurture
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
From instincts to experience, animals at Lake Dardanelle State Park learn what it takes to survive. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to discover how…
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Hiking Tips: Are You Ready?
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Are you prepared for your hike at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Do you have the equipment and skills necessary for a fun and safe hike? Meet a park interpreter to discover more about…
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Hiking Skills: Map and Compass
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hands-on demonstration and exercise of using a map and compass. This program will allow you the opportunity to properly utilize a topographic map for better preparedness…
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