
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Dip Net Discovery (Shoreline by Marina)
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.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…
Read more
Hikers and Snakes
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for helpful hints about snakes you may meet on the
trails of Petit Jean State Park. Learn about venomous
and non-venomous species and how to tell the difference, plus some tips…
Read more
Senior Hike to the Waterfall
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a hike to the waterfall on the Ozark Highlands Trail.
This trek is designed for hikers ages 50 and up who appreciate a shorter hike at a
more relaxed pace, but all ages are…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Highpoint Hike
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Reaching the highpoint provides more than just bragging rights- it provides a sense of home and habitat! Join a park interpreter for a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. Seasonally appropriate…
Read more
Gold Creek Hike
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Regurgitation Station
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you inquisitive and brave? If so, try to stomach this fascinating, hands-on activity. We’ll search for clues to solve the mystery of an owl’s last supper by dissecting an owl pellet. All…
Read more
Vulture Watch
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn all about the vultures of Petit Jean State Park. Why do they have a bald head, and what is carrion? Bring your binoculars if you have some, otherwise we will have some…
Read more
A Life Source's Transformation
Monday, June 23, 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 a park interpreter to…
Read more
Color Scavenger Hunt
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to search for what colors can be found around Woolly Hollow. This program is great for kids of any age and…
Read more
Kick and Pick
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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…
Read more
Birding 101
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Interested in birding but not sure where to start? Join a park interpreter for an introduction to birding basics. We will walk a relatively easy 1/2-mile section of the Seven Hollows Trail, and you…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Biomimicry
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Plants and animals have been adapting to their surroundings for ages. It seems only natural that people would look to nature for innovations to help us adapt and create. Meet a park interpreter in the…
Read more
Night Hike on the Seven Hollows Trail
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a special night-hiking experience along a short section of the Seven Hollows Trail. Please bring along a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes.
Heart Healthy
Read more

Cedar Creek Rock Creep
Tuesday, June 24, 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…
Read more
Knot Navigator
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
From tying your shoes to tying your boat so it doesn't float away, knots are necessary! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tie different types of knots. Appropriate for all ages.
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, June 24, 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!
Read more
Think Like a Fish
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Want to catch more fish? Want to know more about what fish eat and where they live? Meet a park interpreter to think like a fish and discover more about the fish that live in Lake Fort Smith.
Read more
Snakes of Arkansas
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Calling all snake sleuths! Arkansas is home to a diverse population of snake species. Join a park interpreter in the Ouachita Room to discover the importance of snakes, hone your…
Read more
Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

What's for Lunch
Tuesday, June 24, 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…
Read more