Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking Demonstration: Apple Cobbler
Friday, January 02, 2026
/ 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Once a cherished possession of explorers and settlers, the Dutch oven holds a significant place in Arkansas history. Join a park interpreter to learn how to cook outdoors and without electricity. This…
Read more
Match that Mammal
Friday, January 02, 2026
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to test your knowledge of mammals! We will be using a combination of tracks and furs to identify some of the mammals found here at the park.
Read more
Leave No Trace
Saturday, January 03, 2026
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Come to the amphitheater to learn how to practice the seven ethical principles of Leave No Trace and how they apply to Lake Catherine State Park. By practicing Leave No Trace, we can become…
Read more
Herptile Bingo
Saturday, January 03, 2026
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Lake Catherine State Park is home to many herptiles - amphibians and reptiles! Meet a park interpreter at the nature cabin to play this fun game and learn all about these fascinating animals.
Read more
Arkansas Trivia
Sunday, January 04, 2026
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin for a fun game of Arkansas Trivia. Put your knowledge to the test and compete with other teams for prizes!
Read more
Feel the Furs
Sunday, January 04, 2026
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what a deer feels like? What about a bear? Come explore the world of animal furs with a park interpreter at the trailhead.
Read more
Dendrochronology Detectives
Sunday, January 04, 2026
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Trees can reveal the mysteries of the past. Put your detective skills to the test and learn how to decode the ancient secrets of trees with a park interpreter. This cryptic case will take place…
Read more
Animal Assembly
Saturday, January 10, 2026
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Catherine State Park is home to an array of animals, ranging from fluffy mammals to slithering reptiles. Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to discover some of Lake Catherine State…
Read more
Falls Branch Hike
Thursday, January 15, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter along the Falls Branch Trail for a 1-mile trek to the waterfall. Cameras and binoculars are welcome while we enjoy the lake and forest scenery.
Read more
Cozy Campfire
Friday, January 16, 2026
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Share the warmth of a campfire with a park interpreter at the trailhead. Share stories and discuss the beauty of Lake Catherine State Park while sipping on hot chocolate.
Read more
Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration: Peach Cobbler
Saturday, January 31, 2026
/ 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Once a cherished possession of explorers and settlers, the Dutch oven holds a significant place in Arkansas history. Join a park interpreter to learn how to cook outdoors and without electricity. This…
Read more
Slunger Creek Nature Trail Hike
Saturday, January 31, 2026
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Slunger Creek Nature Trail to explore the park's winter scenery. This stroll takes about 30 minutes and is about 3/4-mile long.
Read more
Slunger Creek Nature Trail Hike:
Saturday, February 07, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Slunger Creek Nature Trail to explore the park's winter scenery. This stroll takes about 30 minutes and is about 3/4-mile long.
Read more
Campfire Hot Chocolate
Saturday, February 14, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Stop by the trailhead for visit with a park interpreter and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate by the campfire. This is a come-and-go program available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Read more
Love, Lake Catherine State Park
Saturday, February 14, 2026
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
What do you love about Lake Catherine State Park? Join a park interpreter at the trailhead for a hike on the Falls Branch Trail. Take in the forest and lake scenery as we explore what our visitors…
Read more
Beloved Birds
Saturday, February 14, 2026
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Catherine State Park is home to many love birds! Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to learn all about these affectionate avians on this lovely holiday. Visitors will have the chance to…
Read more