
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Daybreak Diamond Tour
Thursday, September 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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Lake Cruise
Thursday, September 18, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 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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Oh, I am on a Mountain!: A Dripping Springs Trail Hike
Thursday, September 18, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
While it’s great to immerse yourself in all the trees of Mount Magazine State Park, it can be easy to forget one is on Arkansas’ tallest mountain. A hike down Dripping Springs trail serves as one…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, September 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Cedar Creek Rock Creep
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
From carpet rocks to iron formations along a beautiful creek, Cedar Creek Trail is one of the most fascinating areas of Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover some of the trees…
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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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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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Hikin' for Lichen
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
It covers our trees, rocks, and even buildings-but we seldom notice. Join a park interpreter to witness the hidden vibrance of Petit Jean State Park’s lichens. This is a moderately difficult…
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Rock House Cave Hike
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to hike to the park's archeology site, Rock House Cave. We will view American Indian rock art and discover more about the windows into the past that these images provide. This…
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Prospector Trail Guided Hike
Friday, September 19, 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!…
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The Land Speaks Hike
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Did you know that you can learn a new language during your park visit? Join a park interpreter to uncover the hidden language of the land during this easy 1-mile guided hike on the Island…
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Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this easy, handicap accessible, 1/4-mile stroll. We will talk about some of the things that make Petit Jean State Park a special place, as well as enjoy the view of Cedar…
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Lake Chicot Sunset Tour
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
All aboard to experience a magical Delta sunset from the water! Along the way, discover what makes Lake Chicot unique and important to the state of Arkansas. Space is limited to 10 participants and…
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Communit-trees Hike
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter on a 3/4-mile guided walk along the Daisy Creek Trail to learn more about Daisy State Park's tree community. Participants will discover some common Arkansas tree species and…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops, and unique islands. Seating is limited. Reservations are required and can be made…
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Discovery Hike
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Slunger Creek Nature Trail to explore the sights and sounds Lake Catherine State Park has to offer. This stroll takes about 30 minutes and is about 3/4-mile long. Be…
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Guided Night Bat Hike
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
When the sun sets, the night life at Daisy State Park begins! Join the park interpreter on an exciting nighttime hike about the history of bats here. This guided hike along the Daisy Creek…
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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
As you walk the Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Military…
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