
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
River Ramble
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. The river is always changing; it hasn’t always looked the way it…
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Intro to Fishing Lake Bailey - Bluegill
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 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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Mountain Songs on the Lodge Terrace
Sunday, July 27, 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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Watercolor by the Water's Edge
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a lakeside painting session where water meets color! Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, this program is for all skill levels.…
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Caminata a la Cueva del Oso (This program is being delivered in Spanish)
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Únase a park interpreter en el Bear Cave Trailhead para
un interesante paseo entre las rocas gigantes de arenisca y los cañones de
ranura de la zona de Bear Cave. Esta es una caminata relativamente…
Heart Healthy
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Light It Up
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The power of the Arkansas River lights up your world and life in the river valley every day. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the Arkansas River…
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Pathfinders: Pioneers of the Pedal
Sunday, July 27, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Mountain biking has a
rich history, with its early roots dating back to the late 19th
century in Ft Missoula, Montana, and evolving into a thriving contemporary
scene. Join Assistant Superintendent…
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Birding from Shepherd Springs Road
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Sometimes the best birding comes from pulling over on the side of the road in an area of prime habitat. Join a park interpreter for a carpool road trip down Shepherd Springs Road to bird from the…
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Dragonfly Flyby
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
What is there to know about these tiny aerial acrobats? Meet a park interpreter and discover it yourself! Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty. We will provide nets…
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Woolly Cabin Tour
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Love history? Join a park interpreter to learn more about our local history while touring the 143-year-old Woolly Cabin! The inside of the cabin can only be viewed during tours, so don’t…
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Clouds: Friend or Foe? Tabletop
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Clouds are part of our atmosphere and have a big
impact, whether for good or bad, on us and our environment. Discover more about
these “puffballs” in the sky and other weather-related phenomena from a…
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Name that Fish
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 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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DIY Wire Wrap Rock Picture Holder
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what to do with the rocks you take home from the Crater of Diamonds State Park search area? Join a park interpreter to make your very own rock picture holder using your finds from the…
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Let's Go Birding!
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lake Fort Smith State Park is home to many kinds of birds from vultures to warblers. Meet a park interpreter to go on a birding stroll to look for the many birds in the park. Binoculars are provided.…
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Nature Bingo
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to play a fun game of nature bingo. As we play, we will discover more about the natural things found at Lake Fort Smith State Park.
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Focus on Fish
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Why does Lake Dardanelle have such a healthy bass population? The health of this fishery is partially due to the good conservation practices of the staff at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Join a park…
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Spiders Among Us
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to discover the many interesting features of Petit Jean State Park’s eight-legged residents and hear a Cherokee legend about spiders. We will also try to find spider…
Heart Healthy
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Constellation Can Lanterns
Monday, July 28, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Surrounded by forest, Mississippi River State Park is perfect for viewing the night sky. Join a park interpreter to create your very own night sky lantern! Participants are encouraged to bring their…
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Stream Ecosystems
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the front entrance of the visitor center (where the two rocking chairs are located) to learn more about streams in Woolly Hollow State Park and the role they play in…
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Color Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to search for what colors can be found around Woolly Hollow. This program is great for kids of any age and…
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