Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
“Hands-On” Candle Making Workshop
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us at Historic Washington State Park’s Candle Shop and
be part of a hands-on experience making candles and learning the history of
candle making. Not only will you make your own creations, but…
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Winter Workshop Series: Campfire Cooking Basics
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for a
class in campfire cooking basics. We will use multiple mechanisms to cook
outdoors – including cast iron over a campfire, Dutch ovens, and foil…
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Wildlife Hike
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
You can explore nature at this park because Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures. Meadowbrook Trail is home to many of these creatures. Join a park interpreter…
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Holiday Hike
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Pull out the Santa hats and ugly Christmas sweaters for this fun and festive holiday hike! Join a park interpreter on the 1/2-mile Trees of the Forest Interpretive Trail for a merry time! This…
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Along the Arboretum
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
“Arboretum” translates to “a place for trees,” and this 1/2-mile paved trail exhibits dozens of native trees and plants. Join a park interpreter to discover the botanical life found in the natural…
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Leaf Print Christmas Cards
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Prepare for the holidays with this fun and festive craft! Make your own Christmas card using pressed plants and printing techniques. Get in the spirit as you listen to Christmas music and create…
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Handmade Holiday - Mug Rug
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Homemade gifts used to be commonplace. We are bringing the tradition back. Join a park interpreter to create a handmade gift. Pre-registration is required by December 6th. The registration fee…
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Holiday Hiking
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Festive holiday garb is needed for this hike! Tinsel, ornaments, and Christmas lights are fair game on the trail. Ugly Christmas sweaters, reindeer antlers, and Santa hats are expected. Bring water,…
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Finding Woody
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover the many woodpeckers that make Petit Jean State Park their home. The program will include a short walk by Lake
Bailey for a chance to see a few. Bring…
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Pinecones and Popcorn
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Want to make some popcorn and pinecone garland while snacking on popcorn and hot chocolate? Or maybe try your hand at making a pinecone wreath for your door. Join us at pavilion 2 for some fun holiday…
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Woodland Wandering
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the Bear Cave trailhead for a woodland wandering along the Boy Scout Trail. We will hike along the Boy Scout Trail across the Wild Hog Crossing and explore the…
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Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
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Green Heron Trail Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Kick off the new year the healthy way and join thousands across the nation who will be hitting the trails for First Day hikes, walks, jogs, rides, and runs! Join a park interpreter for this easy,…
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Island Trail HIke
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for this easy, 1-mile guided walk along the Island Trail. Feel free to bring binoculars if you have some; this is a great trail for nature watching! #FirstDayHikes…
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Towering Pines Trail Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this brief 1/2-mile guided hike on the Towering Pines Trail. Let's see what we can discover as we enjoy views of the lake, look for animal tracks, listen for birds, and…
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Winter Workshop Series: Hiking 101 - Winter Edition
Saturday, January 10, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join park staff for a special hiking 101 course.
This course will include a hike along the park's Boy Scout Trail. While we won’t complete the full trail, we will hike about 7 miles of it. This is a…
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Stained Glass Snowflake Panel Class
***Click Here for more information or to register*** Learn how to make an 8” stained glass Snowflake Panel in your choice of colors. Students will learn the Tiffany Method of stained glass which uses…
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Stained Glass Snowflake Panel Class
***Click Here for more information or to register*** Learn how to make an 8” stained glass Snowflake Panel in your choice of colors. Students will learn the Tiffany Method of stained glass which uses…
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Hot Cocoa Hike
Saturday, January 17, 2026
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a guided hike through the winter woods! Enjoy the serene beauty of the Trees of the Forest Interpretive Trail. Afterwards, sip on a cup of hot cocoa! The trail is 0.5 miles…
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Winter Birding Hike
Saturday, January 24, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to hike the Lake Sylvia Loop Trail. Learn what birds stay at Lake Sylvia over the winter and see if you can spot them! This hike is about a mile long, has a slight incline, and…
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