
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Spiders Among Us
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to discover the many interesting features of Petit Jean State Park’s eight-legged residents and hear a Cherokee legend about spiders. We will also try to find spider…
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Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 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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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…
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Cedar Creek Rock Creep
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
From carpet rocks to iron formations along a beautiful creek, Cedar Creek Trail is one of the most fascinating areas of Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover some of the trees…
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Meet a Tree
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
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Sunset Kayak Tour
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Want to relax in a kayak while watching the sunset colors dance on the open water? Join a park interpreter for a sunset kayak tour on Lake Bailey. This is a special opportunity to go kayaking on the…
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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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Life in Lake Bailey
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a chance to examine the unseen life that resides beneath the surface of Lake Bailey. We will learn about the unique ecosystem our lake supports, and the aquatic…
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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,…
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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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Campfire Craft
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Want to learn how to build a fire? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn how to build your own! This program will last around 30 minutes.
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Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike down a small section of the Boy Scout Trail. This hike will lead us up along the canyon for a spectacular view of the Cedar Creek canyon. Be sure to wear sturdy…
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Full Moon Hike to Cedar Falls
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
To know Petit Jean State Park, you have to know
Cedar Falls. But have you known this waterfall at night? Join a park interpreter at the breezeway of Mather Lodge for a special moonlit hike down…
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Natural Bridge Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
When the area known as Petit Jean State Park was set aside as a public land in 1923, it set precedent for the establishment of state parks in Arkansas. Meet a park interpreter at the Seven…
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Intro to Fishing Lake Bailey - Bluegill
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn how to catch one of Lake Bailey's most common fish species, the bluegill sunfish. We will learn how to set up your rod, tie on your hook and look for bait. At the end,…
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Bear Cave Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 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…
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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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