
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Gold Creek Hike
Friday, June 13, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Gold Creek trailhead for a 1/5th-mile
hike to become acquainted with some of the birds, trees, and wildflowers that
live in Woolly Hollow State Park. Wear sturdy shoes…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Friday, June 13, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions have at our park. This is a 0.5-mile…
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Firefly Atlas Hike
Friday, June 13, 2025 - Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Join the park interpreter to participate in one of the greatest shows nature has to offer: the dancing of fireflies in North America. Partake in hiking throughout the park and enjoying a popular…
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Evening Hike
Friday, June 13, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Experience the sights and sounds of Bull Shoals-White River State Park as the sun sets. Join a park interpreter on a moderately difficult hike on the Lakeside Trail. Bring water and wear…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, June 13, 2025
/ 7:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife, history, geology, and experience one of Lake Ouachita State Park's famous sunsets. Seating is limited; registration is…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, June 13, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 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 can be made beginning…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, June 14, 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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Birding Hike
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Bring your binoculars and rise with the birds for an early birding hike! Join a park interpreter and identify common species of birds found at the park and sharpen your birding skills. All levels of…
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Huckleberry Nature Hike
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a 3.5-mile guided hike that loops around Lake Bennet. This is a moderate hike and is expected to last about two hours. Make
sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring…
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Woody Plant Walk
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a relaxing afternoon walk along the easy 0.25-mile Woody Plant Trail as we discuss what makes this area great animal habitat. Dress for the weather.
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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
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Van Winkle History Hike
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on an easy 1/2-mile hike on an ADA accessible trail through the Historic Van Winkle Hollow and learn about the Van Winkle family and their mill, the largest…
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Inn and Out Hike
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Journey with a park interpreter down historic Will Apple’s Road, a pathway that felt more hooves than tires in its heyday. At the end of
this trail, you’ll witness the ruins of what was once a spring…
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Bird Walk: Green Heron Trail
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Whether you’re a fledgling birder or an old pro, you’re sure to enjoy this guided hike. Join us in a search for birds that live in and along the forests and shores of DeGray Lake. Bring a pair of…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, June 14, 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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Music to Your Ears: A Ukulele Highpoint Hike
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.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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Secrets of the Forest: Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join us for a guided scavenger hunt at Lake Frierson State Park to explore the forest’s hidden secrets. Use clues to uncover how plants, animals, and the environment all work together to create a…
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Sunset Lake Cruise
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Enjoy Lake Fort Smith's history, scenery, geology, wildlife, and possible waterfalls and sunset on this boating adventure! Meet Park Interpreter Mystina at the marina dock. Binoculars and life vests…
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Sunset Kayak Tour
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake at sunset is from inside a kayak. Whether it be paddling along the shoreline or exploring quiet coves, the beauty of the lake is worth a look. Flatwater kayaks,…
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Sunset Cruise
Saturday, June 14, 2025
/ 7:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife, history, geology, and experience one of Lake Ouachita State Park's famous sunsets. Seating is limited; registration is…
Read more