
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Step into the past of Jackson County and discover the economic power of King Cotton. This white gold was the economic backbone of the south during the 19th century and allowed the people of Jackson…
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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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Wonder House Tour: Stories Set in Stone
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
What is the Wonder House? More than just a place, it’s an experience. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unique home offers a glimpse into life nearly a century ago. Join a park…
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Go Outside and Play!
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Ball and cup, buzz saw, graces, and rolling hoops are just some of the toys that were used by pioneer children. Try your hand with these toys and learn about the life of a pioneer child. Even…
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Nature Journaling
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Nature journaling isn't just about drawing! Join a park interpreter to learn a few different ways to nature journal and start your own journal about your time at Lake Poinsett State Park. Materials…
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Owl Prowl: Horner Neck
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to see “who” is active tonight. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight, and don't forget the insect repellent!
Heart Healthy
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Campfire Treats and Trivia
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the campground amphitheater for an evening of fun around the campfire. Enjoy s'mores and a chance to test your park and nature knowledge through trivia! Supplies are…
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Skull Detectives
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 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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Golf Course Safari
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tonight, we’ll take a caravan of golf carts out in search of nocturnal animals. Be sure to bring a flashlight! Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations can be made…
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Nature Journaling
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Let's explore the natural world through art! Join a park interpreter to create your very own natural journal that you can you use in the park.
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State Park Explorers: Discover, Protect, and Connect
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join the park interpreter on a fun-filled adventure to become a State Park Explorer! This interactive program is designed for kids ages 6–14 to explore what state parks are, learn how to stay safe,…
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The Pioneer Cemetery: A Lasting Legacy
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Tucked away on Rich Mountain lies the final resting place of the area’s earliest settlers. Join a park interpreter at the Pioneer Cemetery to uncover stories of life on the mountain in the 1860s and…
Heart Healthy
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Knot Tying for Camping
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Planning on a camping trip this fall? Join a park interpreter to learn to tie a variety of knots that can be utilized for camping, fishing, or even basic survival.
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Talk Like A Sailor 101
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Have you ever wondered where some of the phrases we use came from? Surprisingly, many originated from steamboat lingo. Join a park interpreter and learn how these phrases may or may not have changed…
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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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…
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Breakfast in the Den: a Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a morning of flavorful exploration as we showcase the art of crafting delicious breakfast treats in Arkansas' official state cooking vessel, the cast iron Dutch oven. We…
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Bug Out! - A Game of Bug Bingo
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join us for a fun, hands-on bug bingo adventure where kids and families learn to identify local insects and arthropods. Discover the important roles bugs play in the park’s ecosystem while exploring…
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Knots and Navigation
Sunday, October 05, 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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Grab Bag Adventures
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you brave enough to stick your hand into the unknown depths of the nature grab bag and try to guess what's inside? Meet the park interpreter for this hilarious audience participation adventure…
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Venomous Snake and Tick Safety Monument Trail Tabletop
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
These two groups of creatures are the most dangerous that you could encounter when hiking or biking at Hobbs State Park. Discover more about these creatures and how to avoid them. A…
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