
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Knot Knowing is Half the Fun
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Want to know how you can make good connections while fishing at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join a park interpreter for a hands-on knot tying
demonstration where you will discover how to make…
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Ready, Aim, Fire!
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Cannons are an iconic part of the Civil War battlefield. Join a park interpreter to learn more about these explosive weapons of war, and go through the same drill soldiers would have learned in order…
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Snakes of Lake Chicot
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
The southern Arkansas Delta is a snake’s dream habitat as it is warm, wet, and crawling with insects. Join Park Interpreter Brandi to learn about the snakes that live at Lake Chicot State Park.…
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Nature Arts and Crafts: Pine Needle Masterpieces
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the main pavilion to create a wonderful masterpiece using natural materials such as Arkansas' state tree, the loblolly pine! We will use pine needles to create unique pieces…
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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 17, 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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Woolly Mammals
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter at the Woolly Cabin to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age and will last around…
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Not So Scary Snakes
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Think all snakes are scary? Think again! In this fun, fact-filled program, students will discover the truth about snakes—how they move, why they bite (or don’t), and the important role they play at…
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Feeling Froggy!
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Visit with a park interpreter to learn more about the wonderful world of frogs and toads. How are they the same, and what are their differences? Frogs help control the insect population and are a good…
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Meet a Critter
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where a park interpreter has a critter for you to meet up close!
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Ozark Chinquapins
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter and learn the story of the Ozark chinquapin! Find out some interesting facts about this tree, its importance to the region, and see for yourself the restoration efforts…
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Earth Science Week: Cookie Mines
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Before Crater of Diamonds State Park existed, this land that is now the state park was commercially mined. Do you think you have what it takes to run your own commercial mine? Using real chocolate…
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Scatologist Training
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 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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In Search of the White River Monster
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike along the beach and learn about the history of White River Monster sightings while watching for items that may have been mistaken for this mythical monster in the…
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Arkansas, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources you might…
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Bear Necessities
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Did you know Arkansas was historically known as “The Bear State?” The story of Arkansas’ black bears is one of upheaval and resilience. Join a park interpreter to explore the history of black bears in…
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Marsh Mystery
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. We have to be careful when enjoying these opportunities so that we…
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The S.S.S. Experience
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s natural beauty sets the stage for us to enjoy the perfect camping combo: The S.S.S. Experience (Sunsets, S’mores, and Songs). Join a park interpreter outside the visitor…
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Arkansas Black Bear
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Did you know that Arkansas used to be called the Bear State? Join a park interpreter for a fascinating program on the history and present habitat of bears in Arkansas. This program is full…
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Moonlight Mammals
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Ever spot a bat in flight? Join a park interpreter for an evening of skywatching as bats soar overhead! We'll explore the fascinating bat species of Devil’s Den State Park and dive into the impact of…
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