
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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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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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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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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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Fish Feeding
Tuesday, July 29, 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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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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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, July 29, 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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Lake Fort Smith Furbearers
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a fox? How about a bobcat? Join a park interpreter to touch some real furs and discover the furry mammals of Lake Fort Smith State Park.
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Opossums are Awesome
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Did you know opossums don't carry rabies? Join a park interpreter to discover the many misconceptions of these fascinating critters.
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Pop Can Fishing
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Forgot your fishing pole? No problem! Join a park interpreter to discover an innovative way to fish on a whim. All you will need to bring is a soda can, and we will show you the rest. Drinks can be…
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Campfire Trivia and Stories
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for an
evening of Petit Jean State Park trivia. While we enjoy the mountain air, we will be sharing
some legends of the mountain and a good old-fashioned…
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We Can Take It
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
This motto of the Civilian Conservation Corps inspired the boys of 1933! Join the assistant superintendent to discover their story and the history of Devil’s Den State Park tonight at the…
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Finding Woody
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover the many woodpeckers that make Petit Jean State Park their home. The program will include a short walk by Lake
Bailey for a chance to see a few. Bring…
Heart Healthy
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, July 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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Feel the Furs
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Have you ever wondered what a deer feels like? What about a bear? Come explore the world of animal furs with a park interpreter at the trailhead.
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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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Safety With A Splash
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
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Life in Lake Bailey
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 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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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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