
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Nature's Cleanup Crew: The Hidden World of Dung Beetles
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Explore the vital role dung beetles play at Lake Frierson State Park, helping to recycle nutrients and maintain healthy ecosystems. Learn how these fascinating creatures contribute to the park’s…
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In this Life
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Many intriguing lives have been lived on Mount Magazine. Through a fun interactive activity, get a glimpse of some of these lives and how they have shaped the unique nature and history of Mount…
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Map Reading Basics
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
GPS is a handy tool to use getting from one place to another, but what if you are in an area where your GPS does not work? How do you navigate? With a
map and a compass! Join a park interpreter to…
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Life in Lake Bailey
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 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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Furbearers of Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover what animals live here at Bull Shoals-White River State Park and what their fur feels like! Learn what features the animals have that help them survive…
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Possum Passel
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You've probably seen one squashed on the side of the road, and you might have even driven through the town of Possum Grape, but how much do you really know about these elusive creatures? Join a park…
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Feeding Time at the Lake
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wildlife requires a proper diet for their survival, and you can help. Meet a park interpreter as we discuss native foods that are essential for our wild and curated animals and also take part in their…
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Chunkey Champions
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Before the days of baseball, a different type of game dominated the United States. Join Park Interpreter Megan to learn about the indigenous game of Chunkey and then play the game for yourself. Do you…
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Owl Pellet Dissection: The Leftovers Lab
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Many meat-eating birds, like owls, have an interesting way of dealing with unwanted parts of their food. Join a park interpreter for a closer look at owl pellets, nature’s version of a mystery puzzle.…
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, September 12, 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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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
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Wealth in the Water
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Discover the fascinating world of White River pearling as the residents of Jacksonport experienced it at the turn of the 20th century. See the equipment used by divers and learn about the multitude of…
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Aquatic Mammals Campfire Circle
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Evenings are often a good time for a quick orientation to the park. This evening we begin our campfire program with a quick welcome and park orientation. We will finish with a short program looking…
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Ozark Chinquapins
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 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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Frog Calls
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Do you hear the frogs call? Have you ever seen a frog call? Join a park interpreter to listen to the frogs and discover what kinds of frogs are at Cane Creek State Park. Bring insect repellent and…
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Owl Prowl Night Hike
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 8:15 p.m. - 9 p.m.
"Who" likes owls? If you do, meet a park interpreter tonight to discover the owls living in DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Then, we’ll take a walk into the woods to call some up and listen for an…
Heart Healthy
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Summer Stargazing
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this relaxing look up at the night sky. Try and spot some constellations, shooting stars, satellites, and more. Bring a flashlight, a chair if you'd like, and dress…
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Cameron Bluff Sunrise
Saturday, September 13, 2025
/ 6:45 a.m. - 7:15 a.m.
From the vantage point of beautiful Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive, direct your eyes to an incredible sunrise over Mossback Ridge. Meet a park interpreter at the rock wall overlook just…
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Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2025: A Food Chain Card Game Adventure!
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Sunday, September 14, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Test your knowledge of nature with Phases of the Forest, a fun, interactive card game inspired by the classic Phase 10! In this special version, players complete ecosystem-themed “Phases” by…
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