
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Kayak Test Drive
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Have you ever kayaked, or are you a complete beginner? No problem! Join a park interpreter for this hands-on kayak test drive! Learn the basics of paddling and then try it yourself. No previous…
Heart Healthy
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Drops In The Bucket
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 10:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join us for the family-friendly "Drops In the Bucket" program, inspired by Project WET! Through fun, interactive activities, learn about water conservation and the significance of Lake Ouachita.…
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Meet a Snake
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn what the snakes of Arkansas can do for us and how they go about their everyday lives. You'll even get the chance to meet some live ones!
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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, May 31, 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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Nature Hike
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a fun and informative hike along the 1.1-mile Great Blue Heron Trail. We'll see what we can discover along the way.
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Sunset Cruise
Saturday, May 31, 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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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
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Morning Lake Tour
Sunday, June 01, 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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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 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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Arkansas: Unique and United
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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, June 03, 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, June 04, 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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Snorkeling
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to explore Lake Ouachita in a new way. We will boat out to an island or shoreline in the lake and snorkel around the island shore to see what lies beneath the water's…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, June 05, 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
Sunset Cruise
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 7:15 p.m. - 8:45 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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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, June 06, 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…
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Monarch Migration Station
Saturday, June 07, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
How do monarchs manage to migrate over 3,000 miles? What challenges do they face on their journey? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park to learn about the challenges monarchs face…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, June 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
What's that strange thing in the bag? We often use our senses of smell, sight, and hearing to experience the outdoors, but what about our sense of touch? Join a park interpreter for this fun…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, June 07, 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
Fire Building 101
Saturday, June 07, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What are the three essential things a fire needs to thrive? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park and learn about fire building and safety. We might even have a few campfire stories to…
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