
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Fantastic Foxes
Saturday, December 06, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Foxes are fantastic in a lot of different ways! And they've got quite a few tools that not only help them survive the winter, but also make them great hunters and allow them to thrive almost anywhere!…
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Creative Pottery
Saturday, December 06, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park interprets a civilization that created art in many ways. One of those works of art is in the form of pottery. Join us as we learn the native way of creating…
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Wildlife Bingo
Saturday, December 06, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
You can explore nature at this park because Lake Dardanelle’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room and discover some of the…
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Canstellations
Saturday, December 06, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Learn about the importance of the night sky here at Cane Creek State Park. Then take trash and turn it into a neat star-gazing decoration with the park interpreter. All materials are provided.
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Knots and Navigation
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Carrie to put your knot tying skills to the test. Then join in to find a hidden spot using your navigation abilities. This program lasts about 30 minutes.
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Crumpled Watershed
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
The watershed surrounding Lake Dardanelle is the backbone for the Arkansas River as the river journeys through the lake creating opportunities for people like you. Join a park interpreter in the…
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The 10 Essentials Look and Learn Table
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Ever been caught unprepared on an outdoor adventure? Stop by the park interpreter's Look and Learn Table at the visitor center to learn about the ten essentials every adventurer should have. Discover…
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Adaptation Artistry
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Birds have many special adaptations that make them especially suited for the area in which they live. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to explore some of these…
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A Walk amongst the Fish
Tuesday, December 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join park staff for a walk through the visitor center and look at the aquariums. Learn how to identify the many fish living in Lake Dardanelle.
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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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Who Goes There?
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
There are many creatures that call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover who they are and what clues they leave behind as they…
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DIY Fire Starter
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Having trouble getting your campfire started? Join a park interpreter to learn fire-building techniques and how to make your own fire starter from materials around your home. We promise this…
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All about Deer
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
In this program you will learn all about the amazing mammal, deer! Discover their diet, habitat, behaviors, and how they survive harsh winters as non-hibernators. Explore deer pelts, antlers, and…
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Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
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Pioneer Play
Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center so you can discover what pioneer kids did to pass the time while the exploration and progress of their parents forged the…
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
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Merry Mountain Biking 101
Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cane Creek State Park is the destination in December for fun-filled, hands-on demonstration of cycling. Meet a park interpreter to discover the working parts of your bicycle, as well as safety tips…
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Wood Ornament Decorating
Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to decorate a winter-themed wooden ornament! Using the beauty of Lake Sylvia's wildlife as inspiration, you will paint a winter scene on a wooden ornament. Get in the spirit as…
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Bird Beak Buffet
Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
You can learn a lot about a bird by just looking at their beaks. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to see the different ways birds use their beaks to eat.
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Stories of Lake Dardanelle
Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Exploration, opportunity, and progress forged the culture you find here today. Meet a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to hear some stories of the past that create the wonderful…
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