
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Bear Necessities
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 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…
Read more
Hawktober Hawk Watch
Sunday, October 05, 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…
Read more
Critter Feeding
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles and more!
Read more
Rabbits in the Sky and on the Ground
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
One of the many wild animals that makes Devil’s Den State Park its home is the Eastern cottontail rabbit. Did you know there are also rabbits that live in the sky? Meet a park interpreter to discover…
Read more
Picture Perfect
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The protections of Village Creek State Park give us endless opportunities for picture perfect memories. Even though we can’t take pieces of the park home with us, a picture lasts forever! Meet a park…
Read more
Focus on Fish
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Why does Lake Dardanelle have such a healthy bass population? The health of this fishery is partially due to the good conservation practices of the staff at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Join a park…
Read more
Make a Paracord Handle for Your Walking Stick
Monday, October 06, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Adding a paracord handle to your walking stick can provide a more comfortable grip as well as an effective way of carrying cordage that could be used in an emergency situation. Meet a park interpreter…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Monday, October 06, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 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!
Read more
Mighty Eagles
Monday, October 06, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The symbol of our nation comes in the form of a mighty bird; the eagle, but even the mighty can fall. Meet a park interpreter to learn the amazing story of resilience of the mighty eagle and how you…
Read more
Discovering Nature Journals
Monday, October 06, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Preserve your memories and experiences in the great outdoors in a journal. Meet a park interpreter outside the Lake Center to make your own journal and learn some outdoor journaling…
Read more
Constellation Can Lanterns
Monday, October 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Surrounded by forest, Mississippi River State Park is perfect for viewing the night sky. Join a park interpreter to create your very own night sky lantern! Participants are encouraged to bring their…
Read more
Nature Journals
Monday, October 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There is a lot to explore at Crater of Diamonds State Park! Whether you are an entry level rock hound or are a wildflower wanderer, a nature journal can help you document your finds. Meet in the…
Read more
Cane Pole Fishing
Monday, October 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Fishing is a great pastime. Too often, though, people get caught up in the gadgets rather than the sport. Come out and learn to fish “old school.” Poles and bait will be provided.
Read more
Birding 101
Monday, October 06, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the different species of birds found at Woolly Hollow State Park. Together we will learn common species, practice listening for calls, take a short walk to spot…
Read more
Knot Navigator
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
From tying your shoes to tying your boat so it doesn't float away, knots are necessary! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tie different types of knots. Appropriate for all ages.
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 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!
Read more
Fish Feeding
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Come see the fish feast! It is very entertaining and quite interesting to watch the feeding habits of fish, like a bass striking at a worm or minnow. Gather around the fish tanks and enjoy the show.
Read more
What's for Lunch
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
Read more
Reptilian Riddles
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Many creatures call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Many of these amazing creatures are reptiles. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover some of the things that…
Read more