
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Who Goes There?
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
There are many creatures that call Lake Dardanelle home. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to discover who they are and what clues they leave behind as they move about. After looking through…
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Wild Wednesdays: Compasses
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
A compass can make your outdoor adventure safer, but only if you know how to use it. Join the park interpreter to learn the basics of compass use and see how fast you can get through the compass…
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, June 25, 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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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
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Prospector Trail Guided Hike
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Prospector trailhead, on the northwest side of the diamond search area, and experience Crater of Diamonds State Park like miners and geologists of the past!…
Heart Healthy
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Snakes of Lake Chicot
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
The southern Arkansas Delta is a snake’s dream habitat as it is warm, wet, and crawling with insects. Join Park Interpreter Brandi to learn about the snakes that live at Lake Chicot State Park.…
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Light My Fire: DIY Firestarter
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 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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New Moon Island Stargazing
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tonight marks a new moon, and that means it will be dark, very dark – perfect for stargazing! We will boat out to a remote island and disembark for some stargazing on the beach, far from city lights…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Thursday, June 26, 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…
Heart Healthy
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Knots and Navigation on the Trail
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Carrie to put your knot tying skills to the test. Then join in to find a hidden spot using your navigation abilities. This program lasts about 30 minutes.
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Ozark Chinquapins
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter and learn the story of the Ozark chinquapin! Find out about restoration efforts currently happening at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
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Journey of a Water Drop
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join us as we explore the incredible adventure of a water droplet, from its humble beginnings to its grand destination. Through engaging activities and hands-on experiments, participants will learn…
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Drops In The Bucket
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 9:45 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join us for the family-friendly "Drops In the Bucket" program, inspired by Project WET! Through fun, interactive activities, learn about water conservation and the significance of Lake Ouachita.…
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Discovery Hour at Jacksonport
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the fun every Thursday at Jacksonport State Park! Park interpreters will help you explore and understand the history and nature of Jacksonport State Park through action-packed games, crafts,…
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The Arkansas Traveler (Dardanelle Area)
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is the site of many unique events in history, and the Arkansas Traveler is one that has molded Arkansas folklore for years. The painting is thought to have been based on…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, June 26, 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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Tinkering in the Oil Park
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
It's time to get outdoors. Come to the museum and enjoy the great outdoors during the month of June. Explore the Oil Park with the museum's curator. Through hands-on activities, learn about the…
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Legends of Petit Jean
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
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Pollinator Look and Learn Table
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park provides plentiful habitats for pollinators at all stages of the life cycle thanks to its many gardens planted with them in mind. Visit the park interpreter’s Look &…
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Dip Net Discovery (Shoreline by Marina)
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What tiny fish and other creatures are hiding in the waters of DeGray Lake? This is your chance to find out and discuss the role of these elusive wonders. Meet a park interpreter for this hands-on…
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