
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Cotton Ginning Demonstration
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How many of us have heard of the cotton gin? You might even know the name of the man credited with inventing the machine. But do you actually know
what a cotton gin does and how it works? Join…
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Nosey Nelly
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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…
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Name that Noggin!
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Can you name the Cane Creek State Park creature craniums correctly? Do you know how to identify animals by their skull? There are lots of wonderful and amazing creatures that call Arkansas home, and…
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Travel Through Time Look & Learn Table
Sunday, November 09, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discover how travel on the Arkansas River has evolved! The construction of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System made river travel much easier. Stop by the park…
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Morning Bird Hike
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in front of the visitor center to take a walk through the area in search of our visiting birds. Even if you’ve never birded before, you can enjoy these creatures in a whole new…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, November 11, 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…
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A Walk amongst the Fish
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join park staff for a walk through the visitor center and look at the aquariums. Learn how to identify the many fish living in Lake Dardanelle.
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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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Feeding Frenzy
Thursday, November 13, 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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The Arkansas Traveler
Thursday, November 13, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is the site of many unique events in history, and the Arkansas Traveler is one that has molded Arkansas folklore for years. The painting is thought to have been based on…
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Autumn Adventure Quest
Friday, November 14, 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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Tracking Wildlife
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn how to find signs of animals! Play the game "Guess the Animal" to test your skills and win a fun prize!
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The Moth Stop
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
When the sun sets, Mount Magazine State Park comes alive with fluttering wings! Join a park interpreter at a glowing moth cloth to meet the hidden pollinators of the night and discover their…
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Call of the Wild
Saturday, November 15, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Some animal calls are very familiar while others are rather vague and when they all mix, it can be difficult to pick them out. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center…
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Knots and Navigation
Saturday, November 15, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 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.
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Cotton Ginning Demonstration
Saturday, November 15, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
How many of us have heard of the cotton gin? You might even know the name of the man credited with inventing the machine. But do you actually know
what a cotton gin does and how it works? Join…
Read more
Pedal and Picnic - Fall Bike Ride
Saturday, November 15, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a family-friendly bike ride along the CCC Hike and Bike Trail. We’ll start at the Old Visitor Center trailhead, ride to Mather Lodge with a stop at the Lower…
Heart Healthy
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DIY Fire Starter
Saturday, November 15, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 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…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, November 15, 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