
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Steamboats: Building White River Communities Since 1831
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Most people know that steamboats carried raw materials down the White River to markets in the south and east, but what did steamboats bring back? How did they build the towns and villages along the…
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Wings Over the River Valley
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to see what takes flight over this historic point. We may see vultures, hawks, or other birds, and it’s all a fun
learning experience with beautiful scenery. Bring…
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Arkansas, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources you might…
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Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Eagles and hawks are not the only raptors soaring overhead. Join a park interpreter to unlock the secrets of success which vultures have mastered. From eyesight and smell to teamwork and smarts,…
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Slithering Snakes
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
There is no such thing as a “bad snake.” Join a park interpreter to find out more about the six venomous snake species in Arkansas and what to do if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation…
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Color Scavenger Hunt
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter to search for what colors can be found around Village Creek State Park. This program is great for kids of any age.
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White-tailed Deer of the Ozarks
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about these common residents of the park and how they thrive in this area. Uncover the history of deer in Arkansas and discover some interesting facts about…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8:30 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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S'mores Meet and Greet Campfire
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join Park Superintendent Nathan and other park staff at the main pavilion area for a warm fire provided with marshmallows for s'mores for park guests to gather around and talk about the exciting…
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Lake Chicot Sunset Tour
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 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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Sunset Cruise
Friday, May 30, 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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Sunset on the Lake
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 7:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Lake Center to connect with the world around you and enjoy a beautiful sunset over Lake Bennet. This program is great for making memories with family and friends.
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A River Valley Sunset
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to watch the sunset from one of the most scenic sites in the park. The rustic shelter at Red Bluff has stood as part of the park since the CCC built it in the 1930s. Many have…
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Frog Calls
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Do you ever listen to the frogs call? We have 25 species of frogs and toads in Arkansas and we have 11 at Lake Poinsett State Park! Join a park interpreter and learn how to call for frogs and how to…
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Stars on the Summit
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 8:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
What conditions are needed to view the planets and constellations in the night sky? Queen Wilhelmina State Park checks all the boxes! Join a park interpreter to take in the night sky through the lens…
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Golf Course Safari
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tonight, we’ll take a caravan of golf carts out in search of nocturnal animals. Be sure to bring a flashlight! Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations can be made beginning noon…
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Night Owl Prowl
Friday, May 30, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
"Who" wants to join Park Superintendent Nathan on a quest to talk with our nighttime buddy, the owl? Meet at the amphitheater and bring your flashlight to learn a few quick interesting facts about our…
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Birding 101
Saturday, May 31, 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. We will walk a relatively easy 1/2-mile section of the Seven Hollows Trail, and you…
Heart Healthy
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The 10 Essentials Challenge
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Ever been caught unprepared on an outdoor adventure? Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about the ten essentials every adventurer should have. Discover how these items can keep you…
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