
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover common animal adaptations and how they are used.…
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Feeding Frenzy
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what our resident reptiles like to eat or how we prepare their meals? Join the park interpreter for a behind-the-scenes look at feeding time as we explore the unique diets and…
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Earth Science Week: Rock Cycle Game
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You've heard of the water cycle, but what about the rock cycle? Join us in the Diamond Discovery Classroom to learn about this amazing continuous process in a fun rock cycle game.
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White-tailed Deer of the Ozarks
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about these common residents of the park and how they thrive in this area. Uncover the history of deer in Arkansas and discover some interesting facts about…
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Under Construction
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures, including animal architects. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the…
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Watercolor by the Water's Edge
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a creek side painting session where water meets color! Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, this program is for all skill levels.…
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Animals after Dark
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Lots of animals are active after dark here at Bull Shoals-White River State Park. You may never see them, or you may hear them instead of seeing them. Join a park interpreter to discover…
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Community Square Dance
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Stop by the Ozark Folk Center's 1,000-seat indoor music venue, Ozark Highlands Theater, and enjoy this timeless Ozarks tradition from 7-9 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is free and on-lookers…
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Wild Herbal Field Trip & Medicinal Plant Symposium
The Ozark Folk Center State Park will host the annual Wild Herbal Field Trip & Medicinal Plant Symposium for students, practitioners and teachers of the herbal arts. The symposium takes place…
Heart Healthy
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Silent Invaders
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The natural resources at Bull Shoals-White River State Park are being threatened by an army of silent invaders! Discover what these are and how they could potentially impact our park. Learn…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 17, 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!
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Fish Feeding
Friday, October 17, 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.
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Birding 101
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 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…
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Birds of Petit Jean
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the CCC Overlook on Red Bluff Drive to learn about some
of the birds we have here at Petit Jean State Park and some tips and tricks to
see a few during your stay. Bring a…
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Exploring Bears
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore the lives of bears! Learn fun facts about their habitat, diet, and behavior!
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Pop Can Fishing
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Forgot your fishing pole? No problem! Join a park interpreter to discover an innovative way to fish on a whim. All you will need to bring is a soda can, and we will show you the rest. Drinks can be…
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Mammals of the Mountain
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How well do you know the mammals of Queen Wilhelmina State Park? Join a park interpreter to discover some fascinating (and furry) facts about the animals that call this mountain home!
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it. Meet a park interpreter to go on a scavenger hunt and investigate what you might miss at first glance. This program is great for…
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Knot Knowing is Half the Fun
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Want to know how you can make good connections while fishing at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join a park interpreter for a hands-on knot tying
demonstration where you will discover how to make…
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Nature Arts and Crafts: Pine Needle Masterpieces
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the main pavilion to create a wonderful masterpiece using natural materials such as Arkansas' state tree, the loblolly pine! We will use pine needles to create unique pieces…
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