
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Eagles and hawks are not the only raptors soaring overhead. Join a park interpreter to unlock the secrets of success which vultures have mastered. From eyesight and smell to teamwork and smarts,…
Read more
White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.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…
Read more
Guess That Critter!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
How much do you know, or think you know, about the critters that make Jacksonport State Park their home? From mammals to birds to reptiles, this is a chance to hone your cognitive skills with other…
Read more
Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
Read more
Safety With A Splash
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
Read more
Ready, Aim, Fire!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Cannons are an iconic part of the Civil War battlefield. Join a park interpreter to learn more about these explosive weapons of war, and go through the same drill soldiers would have learned in order…
Read more
Tunstall's Racehorses and Steamboats
Saturday, July 19, 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.…
Read more
The Story of the Jackson Guards
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Made up of the best young men of Jackson County, the Jackson Guards, Company G, left Jacksonport with great fanfare May 5th, 1861, the day before Arkansas seceded from the Union. Young and…
Read more
Dip Net Discovery
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
What tiny creatures are hiding in the waters of Lake
Ouachita? Join a park interpreter in this hands-on dip netting activity to
discover the roles of Lake Ouachita’s mighty macroinvertebrates. Please…
Read more
Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a special 2-hour open self-guided tour of the 1872 Courthouse Museum! Learn how Jacksonport became the county seat, what the building was used for after the county seat…
Read more
Arkansas: Unique and United
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3:15 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Discover the uniqueness of Arkansas, whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. Immerse yourself in the rich geology, history, and culture that connect us all. Experience what makes…
Read more
Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
Read more
Healthy Hike Wednesday
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the fun every Wednesday at Jacksonport State Park! Each hike begins at the Tunstall Riverwalk Trailhead. Just look for the white state park van. Park interpreters will be ready with a…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Safety With A Splash
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
Read more
Talk Like A Sailor 101
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.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…
Read more
Swim Cruise
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
There's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than jumping into the cool, crisp waters of Lake Ouachita! Join a park interpreter to go out on a boat and find a perfect place go…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Hike and Seek
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
For many animals at Lake Ouachita State Park, a game of hide and seek can be the difference between life and death! Hike with a park interpreter along the ½-mile Dogwood Trail to put your…
Read more
Discovery Hour at Jacksonport
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the fun every Thursday at Jacksonport State Park! Park interpreters will help you explore and understand the history and nature of Jacksonport State Park through action-packed games, crafts,…
Read more
Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join
a park interpreter at the Exploration Station in Camp Area A to learn about the
local animals that call Lake Ouachita State Park home. Park interpreters will
have pelts, skulls, and tracks and…
Read more
Safety With A Splash
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
Read more