Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
What's for Lunch
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.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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Tools of Survival
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
How did early Arkansans survive without modern tools? Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to explore the traditional tools and weapons used for…
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Canstellations
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Learn about the importance of the night sky here at Cane Creek State Park. Then take trash and turn it into a neat star-gazing decoration with the park interpreter. All materials are provided.
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Finding Woody
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover the many woodpeckers that make Petit Jean State Park their home. The program will include a short walk by Lake
Bailey for a chance to see a few. Bring…
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Duck, Duck Goose
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor enter to learn about the unique traits of waterfowl and their habitats at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Discover how conservation…
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Knots and Navigation
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 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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Pine Needle Masterpieces
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
The forests of Lake Dardanelle State Park are filled with many pine trees. These trees played an important role in the development of the state of Arkansas and also support wildlife. They can also be…
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Dutch Oven Cooking Look & Learn Table
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Curious about cast iron cooking? Stop by our Dutch Oven Look & Learn Table in the visitor center to see Dutch ovens up close, explore how they work, and discover how people have used them for…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
/ 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.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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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
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DIY Fire Starter
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 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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Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 5:30 a.m. - 6 a.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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Merry Mountain Biking 101
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cane Creek State Park is the destination in December for fun-filled, hands-on demonstration of cycling. Meet a park interpreter to discover the working parts of your bicycle, as well as safety tips…
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Let's Make a Deal: Arkansas River Edition
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
In the early 1800s, the Arkansas River connected diverse communities through trade and exchange. Goods carried stories, relationships shaped survival, and every deal mattered. Meet a park…
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Nosey Nelly
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 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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Dutch Oven Cooking Taste Test
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For centuries, the Dutch oven has been a staple cooking utensil of the people of Arkansas. The unique flavor and texture of food cooked in a cast-iron oven is unique and delicious. Meet a park…
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Hibernation Look & Learn Table
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Some of Lake Dardanelle State Park’s inhabitants hibernate through the winter, while others adapt to the cooler temperatures and stay active. Stop by the park interpreter’s Look & Learn Table at…
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10-Minute Petit Jean Skills
Sunday, December 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Want to level up your campfire game? Stop inside the Historic Mather Lodge where you’ll learn essential outdoor skills in just 10 minutes at a time! Whether it’s building the perfect camp,…
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