
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Guess That Creature
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
How well do you know
the special creatures and features of Lake Ouachita State Park? Meet a park interpreter to take the "creature challenge." We see how good you at are at identifying photos,…
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Food Web Wonders
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Every living thing at Lake Ouachita State Park is connected! Join a park interpreter to discover the delicate balance of the food web, the role it plays at Lake Ouachita, and our role in protecting…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, July 17, 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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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, July 18, 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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Leave No Trace
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what's the harm in leaving that orange peel on the trail? Find out what it really means to Leave No Trace as you attend a family friendly Leave No Trace Program. Learn the Seven Principles…
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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Most of the critters living at Lake Poinsett State Park are nocturnal and only come out at night. Join a park interpreter to discuss these nighttime critter calls, behaviors, and how to spot them…
Heart Healthy
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Nature Journaling
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.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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Survival Shelter Building
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
What are the main things we need to survive a night out in the woods? Learn these and different shelter types that will work in different situations. Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State…
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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,…
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Find Your Way With a Map!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Do you know how to use a map and compass? If you were lost without cell phone signal, could you find your way back to a road? Join a park interpreter for an introduction into wayfinding skills with…
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Animal Signs Hike
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Sometimes we don't see the animals that live at Lake Poinsett State Park because they're nocturnal or good at hiding. How else can we see signs of these critters at the park? Join a park interpreter…
Heart Healthy
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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
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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…
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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…
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A River Ran Wild
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.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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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, July 24, 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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Healing Waters
Thursday, July 24, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The "healing" waters of Three Sisters Springs had an impact on many people from the past as they continue to be important to us today. Join a park interpreter for a trip back in time to rediscover the…
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