
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, May 08, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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Historic House Tour
Thursday, May 08, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The families who settled here long before the Civil War share many of the same values and traditions we hold today. Explore the similarities and differences between our ways of life…
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Battlefield Tour
Thursday, May 08, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Lives were forever changed here on December 7, 1862. Join us for a 1-mile walk along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove. Meet…
Heart Healthy
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Opossums are Awesome
Thursday, May 08, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Did you know opossums don't carry rabies? Join Park Interpreter Mystina to discover the many misconceptions of these fascinating critters.
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Snakes of Lake Chicot
Thursday, May 08, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
The southern Arkansas Delta is a snake’s dream habitat as it is warm, wet, and crawling with insects. Join Park Interpreter Brandi to learn about the snakes that live at Lake Chicot State Park.…
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Beginner Mothing Hike
Thursday, May 08, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
These commonly overlooked pollinators shine at night. Enjoy a day of activities with the family; building, exploring, and discovering the habitat and adaptations that allow moths to perform these…
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Nature Journaling
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Soldiers’ written observations and drawings provide historians with first-hand descriptions of what the landscape, people, and community looked like in 1862. Today, we will use our senses to describe…
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Bank Fishing
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Itchin’ to go fishin’? Join a park interpreter at the shoreline to practice your fishing skills and unearth the ecological importance of riparian zones. If you have your own fishing pole,…
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Bird Names and Bird Games
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Do you think you could name all 424 bird species that we find in Arkansas? Beginning birders may be intimidated by the vast number of birds to be remembered. Thankfully, the names of birds often help…
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Fish Feeding
Friday, May 09, 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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Casting Contest
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
When it comes to fishing at Lake Ouachita State Park, practice makes perfect! Join a park interpreter to discover the diverse gamefish species found in Lake Ouachita while practicing your casting…
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Fire Building 101
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Campfires sit at the heart of camp outs literally and figuratively. If it weren't for them, where would we cook our s'mores, tell our stories, or simply grow closer to our family and friends? Join the…
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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever lost a fish off your line because the hook slipped the knot? Tying a good knot helps all anglers to have the best fishing experience in Lake Ouachita. Come join a park interpreter to…
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Birding 101
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
Heart Healthy
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Historic House Tour
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The families who settled here long before the Civil War share many of the same values and traditions we hold today. Explore the similarities and differences between our ways of life…
Read more
Reptile Residents
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover your inner herpetologist and get ready for a memorable experience with reptiles! Explore snakes, turtles and other species with park interpreters and enjoy an up close and personal look at…
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Mammals of Arkansas
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter and learn about some of the mammals that make their home here at Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
You might find that they’re more like us than you think.
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Furry Facts
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
How well do you know the mammals that inhabit Queen Wilhelmina State Park? Join a park interpreter and find out a few furry facts!
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Battlefield Tour
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Lives were forever changed here on December 7, 1862. Join us for a 1-mile walk along the ridgeline where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Prairie Grove. Meet…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Chinquapin Chat
Friday, May 09, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Ozark Chinquapin Grove, located along the Caddo Bend Service Road, to explore our nursery of young trees being reintroduced to Lake Ouachita State Park. Learn about the…
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