
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Hawktober Hawk Watch
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Cameron Bluff Overlook learn how to help Mount Magazine State Park identify and count broad-winged hawks! Participants could
potentially view broad-winged…
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Flintknapping Demonstration
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ever wonder how ancient Archaic and Mississippian people made stone tools like arrowheads, axes, and knives? Join a park interpreter at the demonstration area, behind the visitor center, to learn…
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Erosion in Motion
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Erosion has shaped past, present and future at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover the unique geology of the park and the stories erosion simultaneously preserves and…
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Mountain Songs on the Lodge Terrace
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy the beautiful view of Blue Mountain and Blue Mountain Lake, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources…
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Knife Making Class
Monday, October 27, 2025 | Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | Thursday, October 30, 2025 | Friday, October 31, 2025
Taught by Bradley SpurlockTotal cost of the class is $420 and includes use of tools during class and all materials. Does not include meals or lodging. Registration is required two weeks prior to the…
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Diamond Mining 101
Monday, October 27, 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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From Spark to Flame: Fire-Building Basics at Bear Creek
Monday, October 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the essentials of campfire building, including the importance of tinder, kindling, and proper structure. Whether you're new to fire-starting or looking to refine your…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Tuesday, October 28, 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…
Heart Healthy
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, October 28, 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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Fish Feeding
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Come see the fish feast! It is very entertaining and quite interesting to watch the feeding habits of fish, like a bass striking at a worm or minnow. Gather around the fish tanks and enjoy the show.
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, October 28, 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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Slithering Snakes
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover how to tell the difference between a venomous and non-venomous snake. Then don't miss out on the chance to meet some of our snake residents here at Lake Dardanelle State Park.
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Nature Encounters
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many recreational opportunities for us to enjoy. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room for this program designed to give visitors the chance to…
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, October 29, 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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Pioneer Play
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center, you will discover what pioneer kids did to pass the time while the exploration and progress of their parents forged the…
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Arkansas Elk
Thursday, October 30, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Are there elk in Arkansas? You bet! Reintroduced to Arkansas in the 1980s, elk now make their home on several sites near the Buffalo River. Join a park interpreter to learn more about…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, October 30, 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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Color Walk
Thursday, October 30, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The great outdoors is filled with many colorful things. Thanks to Lake Dardanelle’s diverse habitats, you can discover just how bright and colorful the world around you is. Join a park interpreter at…
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