
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Bear Cave Hike
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
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Sunny Life on a Glade
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter as we explore how life, such as the prickly pear cactus, can survive the harsh and sunny conditions on a glade. This program involves making your own suncatcher while we…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, May 13, 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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Chinquapin Chat
Thursday, May 15, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Ozark Chinquapin Grove, located along the Caddo Bend Service Road, to explore our nursery of young trees being reintroduced to Lake Ouachita State Park. Learn about the…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, May 15, 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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Bank Fishing
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Itchin’ to go fishin’? Join a park interpreter at the shoreline to practice your fishing skills and unearth the ecological importance of riparian zones. If you have your own fishing pole,…
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Casting Contest
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
When it comes to fishing at Lake Ouachita State Park, practice makes perfect! Join a park interpreter to discover the diverse gamefish species found in Lake Ouachita while practicing your casting…
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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, May 16, 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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Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this easy, handicap accessible, 1/4-mile stroll. We will talk about some of the things that make Petit Jean State Park a special place, as well as enjoy the view of Cedar…
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A River Valley Sunset
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 7:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to watch the sunset from one of the most scenic sites in the park. The rustic shelter at Red Bluff has stood as part of the park since the CCC built it in the 1930s. Many have…
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Birding 101
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Interested in birding but not sure where to start? Join a park interpreter for an introduction to birding basics. We will walk a relatively easy 1/2-mile section of the Seven Hollows Trail, and you…
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Ouachita Watercolors
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Throughout time, water holds power at Lake Ouachita State Park! Discover the history and importance of Lake Ouachita and its powerful water by joining a park interpreter during this lakeside…
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Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to one of the most scenic and hidden overlooks in the park. Along the way we will explore a rock glade, identify different plants, and admire the beauty of Cedar…
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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Saturday, May 17, 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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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, May 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,…
Read more
Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Cedar Falls Hike
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
To know Petit Jean State Park, you have to know Cedar Falls. Meet a park interpreter to hike down to the foot of this landmark waterfall! The Cedar Falls hike is 2-miles round trip and strenuous,…
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Morning Lake Tour
Sunday, May 18, 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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Rock House Cave Hike
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to hike to the park's archeology site, Rock House Cave. We will view American Indian rock art and discover more about the windows into the past that these images provide. This…
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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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