
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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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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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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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Nature Connections Stroll
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to connect with nature on the Arboretum Trail. We will use our senses to explore what makes Village Creek State Park Special, all while capturing our discoveries on paper. This…
Heart Healthy
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Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Did you know Lake Ouachita State Park is home to superheroes? From night-vision to superhuman hearing, nocturnal animals have powers that are out of this world! Join a park interpreter to…
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Pollinators and their 'Buds'
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about the wildflowers and pollinators of Village Creek State Park, then create a take-home paper flower memento. This program is fun for the whole family.
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, July 11, 2025 - Saturday, July 12, 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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Birding 101
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
Heart Healthy
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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, July 12, 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
Water Safety
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Dunn? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions have at our park. This is a 0.5-mile…
Heart Healthy
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Morning Lake Tour
Sunday, July 13, 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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Old as a Tree
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you as old as a tree? Join a park interpreter to discover how to tell the age of a tree and what happened during its life. You will also have the opportunity to create your own…
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Water Safety
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Austell? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, July 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,…
Read more