
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Drops In The Bucket
Tuesday, May 20, 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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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, May 20, 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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Discovery Hike (Dogwood Trail)
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
The
Ouachita National Forest provides a protective zone for wildlife around the
lake. Meet a park interpreter at the Dogwood trailhead to take a guided 1/2-mile
hike and discover the…
Heart Healthy
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Dip Net Discovery
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Is the water dirty, clean, or somewhere in between? Small creatures that live in the water can teach us about water quality. Join a park interpreter to catch and identify these critters in the creek…
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Snakes of Arkansas
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.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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Kayak Koving
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 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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Trail Tales
Thursday, May 22, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Put on your detective caps and figure out what the animals have been up to in Lake Ouachita State Park. Animal signs can be found all around us here in the park, and they tell us the stories of the…
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Leave No Trace
Thursday, May 22, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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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Healing Waters
Thursday, May 22, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, May 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,…
Read more
Knot Navigator
Thursday, May 22, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 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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Bank Fishing
Friday, May 23, 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 23, 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 23, 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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Birds, Flowers, and Canyon Walls
Friday, May 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Bring
your binoculars, if you have them, and join a park interpreter at the
breezeway of historic Mather Lodge. We are making a short hike to the Cedar
Falls Overlook, looking for spring wildflowers…
Heart Healthy
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Arkansas: Unique and United
Friday, May 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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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Dendrochronology Detectives
Friday, May 23, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Trees have been telling stories longer than we have. Did you know that you have the ability to learn to read their stories? Join a park interpreter to decode the secret life of trees and learn what…
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Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Friday, May 23, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.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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Sunset Cruise
Friday, May 23, 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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Sunset Stroll
Friday, May 23, 2025
/ 7:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to take a short stroll to the CCC Overlook where you can watch the sunset from one of the most scenic locations in the park. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to…
Heart Healthy
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