
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
The Story of the Jackson Guards
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Made up of the best young men of Jackson County, the Jackson Guards, Company G, left Jacksonport with great fanfare May 5th, 1861, the day before Arkansas seceded from the Union. Young and…
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Nature Cabin
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Drop in to the nature cabin to discover the things that make Lake Catherine State Park so special. Park interpreters will be available to give brief programs; help start your explorer program, or…
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Scatologist Training
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us for "The Scoop on Poop!" and become a scatologist at Lake Frierson State Park! Explore the fascinating world of animal scat and learn how studying it can reveal what animals eat, where they…
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Birds of Petit Jean
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the CCC Overlook on Red Bluff Drive to learn about some
of the birds we have here at Petit Jean State Park and some tips and tricks to
see a few during your stay. Bring a…
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Furry Facts
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
How well do you know the mammals that inhabit Queen Wilhelmina State Park? Join a park interpreter and find out a few furry facts!
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Camouflage: Blending in to Stay Alive
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Camouflage is an important survival strategy in the animal kingdom. Whether animals are hunting for their meal or trying to avoid being eaten, blending into their environment is important!…
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Legacy of the WPA
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal Project created work groups during the 1930s Great Depression Era, such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA built public…
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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever lost a fish off your line because the hook slipped the knot? Tying a good knot helps all anglers to have the best fishing experience in Lake Ouachita. Come join a park interpreter to…
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Let's Play!: Historic Games
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
For the children of sharecroppers and tenant farmers in the early 20th century, games might have looked quite a bit different than the ones kids play today. Join park staff at the museum to learn…
Heart Healthy
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Fish Cleaning Demonstration
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Would you like to begin utilizing the fish you catch as food to feed your family? Join a park employee and learn how to clean a fish and use the Lake Chicot State Park fish cleaning station.…
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Nature Journals
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There is a lot to explore at Crater of Diamonds State Park! Whether you are an entry level rock hound or are a wildflower wanderer, a nature journal can help you document your finds. Meet in the…
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Nifty Nests
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Just as humans live in different types of houses, birds live in different types of nests! Join a park interpreter to find out which birds live in what nests and how those nests compare to our own…
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Don't Tread on Me
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 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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Life in Lake Bailey
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a chance to examine the unseen life that resides beneath the surface of Lake Bailey. We will learn about the unique ecosystem our lake supports, and the aquatic…
Heart Healthy
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Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Did you know Lake Ouachita State Park is home to superheroes? From night-vision to superhuman hearing, nocturnal animals have powers that are out of this world! Join a park interpreter to…
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Toads vs Frogs
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Unleash your inner zoologist and immerse yourself in the amazing realm of toads and frogs with the park interpreters. Test your new knowledge as you differentiate the life cycles of toads from frogs.
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Be an Explorer Look & Learn Table
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Arkansas State Parks' Explorer Program is intended for young people ages 6-14 (although anyone is welcome to participate) who care about nature, history, safety, and fun! Participants will work to…
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Bear Necessities
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Arkansas was historically known as "The Bear State" for its plentiful population of black bears. Join a park interpreter to hear about the history of black bears in the state and why they are so…
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Devil's Den Softball
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join the park interpreters for softball. Come be a part of this living legacy! We have gloves, bats, and balls, but we need you for a game! Meet at the ball field in Camp Area…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
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