
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
What's for Lunch
Saturday, July 05, 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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Diversity Discovery
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn more about freshwater diversity. Get the opportunity to “fish” for common species in Lake Bennet, as well as learn how to better protect the health of our lake.…
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Kayak Fishing
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Combine two of Lake Frierson State Park's most popular activities into one grand adventure! Join the park interpreter and cast your line out from a kayak to discover Arkansas sportfish species in…
Heart Healthy
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In-Seine Adventure
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many opportunities for enjoyment as it journeys through Lake Dardanelle. What all lives in the Lake besides fish and turtles? Well, here is your chance to find out. We will…
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Kayak Tour
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the fishing pier next to the boat ramp (within the park) for a kayak tour (weather permitting). Your guide will discuss kayaking basics, and you will get to experience Lake…
Heart Healthy
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The Fishing Challenge
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Ready to test your fishing skills? Drop by the
weigh-in pavilion for the Fishing Challenge! This event features three fun
stations where you’ll practice your casting aim, discover how much you…
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Fish Frenzy
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
There is a frenzy of fish that await you here at Lake Catherine State Park! Join a park interpreter outside the nature cabin to learn more about the fish that live in Lake Catherine and have the…
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Night Sky Fishing
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Curious about what kinds of insects call Petit Jean Mountain home? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about moths, beetles, and other interesting insects. We will use a unique method…
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Dip Net Discovery (Shoreline by Marina)
Monday, July 07, 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…
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Cane Pole Fishing
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fishing is a great pastime. Too often, though, people get caught up in the gadgets rather than the sport. Come out and learn to fish “old school.” Poles and bait will be provided.
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What's the Catch?
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while…
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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, July 08, 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
Backyard Bass
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Backyard Bass is the perfect game for beginning anglers of all ages. Join a park interpreter to learn more about fishing and practicing your casting skills while staying high and dry in this fun game!…
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Knot Knowledge
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Whether you are setting up a camp shelter, tying up your boat, or preparing a fishing lure, knowing how to tie knots is important. Come by to learn a few that will meet your needs during a weekend at…
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Intro to Fishing Lake Bailey - Bluegill
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn how to catch one of Lake Bailey's most common fish species, the bluegill sunfish. We will learn how to set up your rod, tie on your hook and look for bait. At the end,…
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Name that Fish
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
How familiar are you with the fish that live in the lakes and rivers of Mississippi River State Park? Stop by to test your skills at identifying some of the fish that are found in these bodies of…
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Sunset on the Lake
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 8:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the fishing pier 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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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
Read more
What's for Lunch
Saturday, July 12, 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