
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
River Safari
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Explore the underwater world of the Cossatot River with a park interpreter! Snorkel in search of macroinvertebrates and learn how to assess water health based on our finds. All supplies provided.…
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Frog Talk – Who’s Making That Noise?
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What’s that sound by the lake? Join a fun, hands-on program to meet the frogs of Lake Frierson State Park! Learn to identify local frogs by their calls, then use everyday items to mimic the sounds…
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Necklace Craft
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Come and make your own beaded necklace and learn the story of a tiny bead that tells a big story. All materials will be provided.
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Exploration Station: Bird Beaks
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why a hummingbird’s beak is different from a hawk’s? Discover how different birds have beaks adapted for their unique diets. At the end, you will have the option to try the…
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White River Hunters and Trappers
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Hunting and trapping served an important role on the White River and contributed to Jacksonport's economy. Join a park interpreter to learn what animals were hunted and trapped in this area. Learn…
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Icky, Sticky Spider Webs
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ever wondered why some spider webs look like wheels while others resemble tangled threads? Join a park interpreter and discover the fascinating secrets behind the many web designs crafted by different…
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Nature Arts and Crafts Series: Spider Sidekicks
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
There's a lot more to spiders than meets the eye! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for a guided craft to make your own spider sidekick and learn more about the many benefits of spiders at…
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Sunny Life of a Reptile
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Why do reptiles bathe in the sun? Join a park interpreter to learn more about the lives of the reptiles found in Woolly Hollow State Park. After discussing reptile traits and habits, we will make a…
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Discovery Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
What is that cool thing in the woods? Join a park interpreter to hike the beginning of the Delta View Trail and make neat discoveries along the way! The hike is 1-mile in length, bring water and wear…
Heart Healthy
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Macroinvertebrates Look & Learn Table
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle has an abundance of macroinvertebrates living in the water. Stop by the park interpreter’s Look & Learn Table at the visitor center to find out what some of our macroinvertebrates…
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Our "Boxy" Friends
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Do you know who your friends are that live in a “box," it is box turtles! Join a park interpreter to learn more about our “boxy” friends, and what to do if you come across one.
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Return of the Ozark Chinquapin
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Mather Lodge breezeway to learn about Arkansas’ native chestnut trees. Once prevalent in Arkansas, these trees with their edible nuts have disappeared from the landscape…
Heart Healthy
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Mammals of Village Creek
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age!
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There's Something Fishy Going On
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join us to explore the anatomy of fish and the unique species found in Lake Frierson. Learn about where these fish live, how their features help them survive, and discover the diverse aquatic world…
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Bats vs. Moths
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
How do bats catch something as small as a moth at night? How do moths try to avoid getting eaten by bats? Join a park interpreter to learn all about it and play a game of bats vs. moths.
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Skull Detectives
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
You may know the animals of Queen Wilhelmina State Park—but can you identify them by their skulls alone? Each one holds clues about the creature it belonged to. Join a park interpreter for a fun and…
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Tunstall's Racehorses and Steamboats
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Thomas Todd Tunstall was the founder of Jacksonport and a fascinating man. He made, lost, and made again several small fortunes throughout his life from his two passions, racehorses and steamboats.…
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Fire Building 101
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What are the three essential things a fire needs to thrive? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park and learn about fire building and safety. We might even have a few campfire stories to…
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Meet a Tree
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
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