
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Eagle Measure Up
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Bald eagles are incredible not only for their beauty and speed but for their size as well. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the park to learn about the bald eagles that call Lake…
Read more
Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
The diverse habitats around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities for discovery and exploration. Meet a park interpreter at the visitor center Orientation Room to find out what is in…
Read more
Tools of Survival
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
How did early Arkansans survive without modern tools? Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to explore the traditional tools and weapons used for…
Read more
Canstellations
Saturday, December 20, 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.
Read more
Finding Woody
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 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…
Read more
Duck, Duck Goose
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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…
Read more
Knots and Navigation
Sunday, December 21, 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.
Read more
Pine Needle Masterpieces
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
The forests of Lake Dardanelle State Park are filled with many pine trees. These trees played an important role in the development of the state of Arkansas and also support wildlife. They can also be…
Read more
Dutch Oven Cooking Look & Learn Table
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Curious about cast iron cooking? Stop by our Dutch Oven Look & Learn Table in the visitor center to see Dutch ovens up close, explore how they work, and discover how people have used them for…
Read more
Biomimicry
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Plants and animals have been adapting to their surroundings for ages. It seems only natural that people would look to nature for innovations to help us adapt and create. Join a park interpreter in the…
Read more
Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.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.
Read more
DIY Fire Starter
Friday, December 26, 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…
Read more
Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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…
Read more
Let's Make a Deal: Arkansas River Edition
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
In the early 1800s, the Arkansas River connected diverse communities through trade and exchange. Goods carried stories, relationships shaped survival, and every deal mattered. Meet a park…
Read more
Merry Mountain Biking 101
Saturday, December 27, 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…
Read more
Nosey Nelly
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Learning not to use our eyes and rely on our other senses is difficult for some. It can be a very rewarding experience if we give it a chance. Join the park interpreter in the visitor center…
Read more
Dutch Oven Cooking Taste Test
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
For centuries, the Dutch oven has been a staple cooking utensil of the people of Arkansas. The unique flavor and texture of food cooked in a cast-iron oven is unique and delicious. Meet a park…
Read more
Hibernation Look & Learn Table
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Some of Lake Dardanelle State Park’s inhabitants hibernate through the winter, while others adapt to the cooler temperatures and stay active. Stop by the park interpreter’s Look & Learn Table at…
Read more
10-Minute Petit Jean Skills
Sunday, December 28, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Want to level up your campfire game? Stop inside the Historic Mather Lodge where you’ll learn essential outdoor skills in just 10 minutes at a time! Whether it’s building the perfect camp,…
Read more
Firelight Reflections
Sunday, December 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
As the new year approaches, take a moment to pause,
reflect, and prepare for fresh beginnings at Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter in the cozy Mather Lodge lobby for a morning of…
Read more