
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, July 08, 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,…
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Kayak Koving
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Kayaking gives you the opportunity to interact with Lake Ouachita in a fun and engaging way. Join a park interpreter as we paddle out to explore nearby coves. Kayaks, paddles and…
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Swim Cruise
Wednesday, July 09, 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
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A River Ran Wild
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a hands-on experience as we explore Lynne Cherry’s powerful tale of environmental change and restoration. Through interactive storytelling and activities, we’ll connect the journey of the…
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Edible Insects
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ever thought about eating a bug? Did you know the foods you already eat most likely contains bugs? Join a park interpreter to see what you have to have to be classified as an insect. If you're brave…
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Snakes of Arkansas
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Calling all snake sleuths! Arkansas is home to a diverse population of snake species. Join a park interpreter in the Ouachita Room to discover the importance of snakes, hone your…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, July 10, 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
Knot Navigator
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
From tying your shoes to tying your boat so it doesn't float away, knots are necessary! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tie different types of knots. Appropriate for all ages.
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Frog Talk – Who’s Making That Noise?
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.
What’s that sound by the lake? Join a fun, hands-on program to meet the frogs of Lake Frierson State Park! Learn to identify local frogs by their calls, then use everyday items to mimic the sounds…
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Cast Iron Connections: Cooking with a Dutch Oven
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Gather around the fire for a hands-on cooking experience using a traditional Dutch oven. Participants will explore the history of cast iron cooking, learn basic techniques, and help prepare a tasty…
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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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…
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Arkansas: Unique and United
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 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…
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Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Did you know Lake Ouachita State Park is home to superheroes? From night-vision to superhuman hearing, nocturnal animals have powers that are out of this world! Join a park interpreter to…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, July 11, 2025 - Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife, history, geology, and experience one of Lake Ouachita State Park's famous sunsets. Seating is limited; registration is…
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Nature through the Looking Glass
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Art can make a lasting impact. Join the park interpreter to learn about the impact a local stained glass artist has had on Lake Frierson State Park. Then, get inspired by nature to create stained…
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Opt Outside: T.R.A.I.L.S
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
It's the perfect time to hit the TRAILS with the park interpreter at Lake Frierson State Park. Learn tips and tricks for hiking in the summer season a with a hike in nature. We will be hiking the…
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Bug Builders: Insect Collecting and Pinning
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Get up close with the tiny world of insects! In this hands-on program, young naturalists will learn how to safely collect, observe, and preserve real insects found right here in the park. We’ll…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, July 12, 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
Tree Detectives – A Plant and Tree ID Adventure
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Become a nature detective and learn how to identify trees using leaves, bark, and other clues! We’ll use a simple dichotomous key to explore the park’s trails and uncover the secrets of local trees…
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Morning Lake Tour
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Begin your day with a peaceful cruise on Lake Ouachita! Bring a warm drink as a park interpreter will serve as your guide while you admire the scenery, wildlife, and stories of Lake Ouachita.…
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