
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Reptilian Riddles
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Many creatures call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Many of these amazing creatures are reptiles. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover some of the things that…
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ADA Hike on the Van Winkle Trail
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Why is there a state park
here? Join a park interpreter for a story-telling adventure about how this place
came to be Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Discover one of the most
influential spots in…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
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Beaver Lake Kayak Tour
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Spend a few hours paddling on Beaver Lake with a
park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking and enjoy the spring scenery on
the lake, weather permitting. All equipment is provided. Space is…
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Hiking with Nature Sense
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to put your sense of sight, touch, smell, and hearing to the test as you explore some of the natural wonders of Lake Fort Smith State Park. Meet at the Warren…
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Kick and Pick
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Remember when you used to go craw-daddin’? Meet a park interpreter to take a short walk to the water of Lee Creek to see what tiny, aquatic living
things live under the rocks in the water. Please…
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Adventure in the Ozarks
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to explore an Ozark mountain trail and take in your surroundings. We will search for and discover more about the native Ozark plants, animals, and…
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A Life Source's Transformation
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lake Fort Smith is a life source that has transformed over the years. Each transformation brought life and challenges to the wildlife and people of the area. Join Park Interpreter Mystina to…
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Nature Journaling
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Soldiers’ written observations and drawings provide historians with first-hand descriptions of what the landscape, people, and community looked like in 1862. Today, we will use our senses to describe…
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Nature Bingo
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina to play a fun game of nature bingo. As we play, we will discover more about the natural things found at Lake Fort Smith State Park.
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Creek Critter Hike
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
A park interpreter will lead an exploration of Little Clifty Creek along the Van Winkle Trail. We’ll catch crawdads, aquatic insects, and other creatures! Learn how they can tell us if the water…
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Music to Your Ears: A Ukulele Highpoint Hike
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Perseverance of life at Mount Magazine State Park should be music to your ears! Let a park interpreter share some original ukulele songs on the way up to Arkansas' highpoint that highlight…
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Beaver Lake Kayak Tour
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Spend a few hours paddling on Beaver Lake with a
park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking and enjoy the spring scenery on
the lake, weather permitting. All equipment is provided. Space is…
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Meet a Critter
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where Park Interpreter Mystina has a critter for you to meet up close!
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Birds at Work
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Humans aren’t the only ones that build. Discover how birds at Mount Magazine State Park are quite the builders! This program includes a
fun hands-on activity that is best suited for ages 7-12.
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, May 30, 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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Lake Kayaking Excursion
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Kayaking the coves of Lake Dardanelle gives you the opportunity to get a closer view of birds and wildlife all from the safety of your boat. Join a park interpreter for a lake excursion via kayak and…
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The 10 Essentials Challenge
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Ever been caught unprepared on an outdoor adventure? Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about the ten essentials every adventurer should have. Discover how these items can keep you…
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Boater Education Class
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Learn about Arkansas' safe boating laws and practices in one day class. Anyone born after 1985 must take and pass an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Boating Education Course and carry proof that he or…
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
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