
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Equipped to Survive
Monday, November 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Life
at Mount Magazine State Park is equipped to survive what can be a challenging
environment. Are you equipped to survive a quiz that tests your knowledge of
Mount Magazine State Park’s resources?…
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Nature vs. Nurture
Monday, November 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
From instincts to experience, animals at Lake Dardanelle State Park learn what it takes to survive. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to discover how…
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
/ 7:30 a.m. - 7:45 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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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:15 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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Fashion a Fish
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room Learn about the wide variety of shapes and sizes of fish that live in Lake Dardanelle due to its health and diversity. After you discover…
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Reptiles of the River
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle is home to variety of wildlife, but do you ever wonder just what there is out there in the river? Are there snakes, is that a snapping turtle? Join a park interpreter in the visitor…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:15 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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Know Your Knots
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The difference between a great fishing experience and a sour fishing experience at Lake Catherine State Park may rely on your knowledge of knots. Join a park interpreter to discover how to make your…
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Feel the Furs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Have you ever wondered what a deer feels like? What about a bear? Explore the world of animal furs with a park interpreter at the trailhead.
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Owl's Last Supper
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
It's dissection time! Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to discover the owls of Lake Catherine State Park and what makes them so special. We will be dissecting real owl pellets to take a…
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Duck, Duck Goose
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor enter to learn about the unique traits of waterfowl and their habitats at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Discover how conservation…
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Birding Hike on the Little Missouri
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Meet a park Interpreter at the trailhead of the Little Missouri River Trail to learn all about the world of birding. This 1.2-mile trail winds its way through the woods from the campground to the…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:15 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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Old as a Tree
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Are you as old as a tree? Join a park interpreter to discover how to tell the age of a tree and what happened during its life. You will also have the opportunity to create your own…
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Animals Found Underground
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Explore burrowing animals! Learn why animals burrow underground and how it helps them to survive. Win a cool prize by playing a game matching animals to their burrows!
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Origami Folding: Forest Friends
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Ready to try your hand at folding origami animals? Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to learn about the native wildlife around Village Creek State Park that call the forest home.…
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Autumn Adventure Quest
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Drop by the breezeway at Mather Lodge and take on the Autumn Adventure Quest! Pick up a quest card and complete fun seasonal challenges—like spotting fall leaves, discovering wildlife clues,…
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Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking Demonstration: Apple Cobbler
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Once a cherished possession of explorers and settlers, the Dutch oven holds a significant place in Arkansas history. Join Park Interpreter Jaden to learn how to cook outdoors and without electricity.…
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Don't Tread on Me
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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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What's Up? A Deeper Look At Mount Magazine's Dark Skies
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mount Magazine State Park's very dark skies are quite an experience for both heart and mind. With the help of a park interpreter, take a deeper look into “the anatomy” of the vast space that is so…
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