
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, November 18, 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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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, November 18, 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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Fashion a Fish
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room Learn about the wide variety of shapes and sizes of fish that live in Lake Dardanelle due to its health and diversity. After you discover…
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Reptiles of the River
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle is home to variety of wildlife, but do you ever wonder just what there is out there in the river? Are there snakes, is that a snapping turtle? Join a park interpreter in the visitor…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, November 20, 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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Duck, Duck, Goose
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor enter to learn about the unique traits of waterfowl and their habitats at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Discover how conservation…
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Birding Hike on the Little Missouri
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Meet a park Interpreter at the trailhead of the Little Missouri River Trail to learn all about the world of birding. This 1.2-mile trail winds its way through the woods from the campground to the…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, November 21, 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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Animals Found Underground
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore burrowing animals! Learn why animals burrow underground and how it helps them to survive. Win a cool prize by playing a game matching animals to their burrows!
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Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to one of the most scenic and hidden overlooks in the park. Along the way we will explore a rock glade, identify different plants, and admire the beauty of Cedar…
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Autumn Adventure Quest
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Drop by the breezeway at Mather Lodge and take on the Autumn Adventure Quest! Pick up a quest card and complete fun seasonal challenges—like spotting fall leaves, discovering wildlife clues,…
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What's Up? A Deeper Look At Mount Magazine's Dark Skies
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Mount Magazine State Park's very dark skies are quite an experience for both heart and mind. With the help of a park interpreter, take a deeper look into “the anatomy” of the vast space that is so…
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Don't Tread on Me
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Jackson County is home to many species of snakes but not all of them are dangerous to humans. In fact, many are helpful! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tell the difference between venomous…
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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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Tunstall's Racehorses and Steamboats
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thomas Todd Tunstall was the founder of Jacksonport and a fascinating man. He made, lost, and made again several small fortunes throughout his life from his two passions, racehorses and steamboats.…
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The Moth Stop
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
When the sun sets, Mount Magazine State Park comes alive with fluttering wings! Join a park interpreter at a glowing moth cloth to meet the hidden pollinators of the night and discover their…
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Canstellations
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Learn about the importance of the night sky here at Cane Creek State Park. Then take trash and turn it into a neat star-gazing decoration with the park interpreter. All materials are provided.
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, November 22, 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 101
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Interested in birding but not sure where to start? Join a park interpreter for an introduction to birding basics at the visitor center breezeway. We will take an easy walk around the visitor center…
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