
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Kayak Koving
Wednesday, July 16, 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, July 16, 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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Trail Tales
Thursday, July 17, 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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Healing Waters
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 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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Guess That Creature
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
How well do you know
the special creatures and features of Lake Ouachita State Park? Meet a park interpreter to take the "creature challenge." We see how good you at are at identifying photos,…
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Food Web Wonders
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Every living thing at Lake Ouachita State Park is connected! Join a park interpreter to discover the delicate balance of the food web, the role it plays at Lake Ouachita, and our role in protecting…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, July 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,…
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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, July 18, 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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Leave No Trace
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.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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Arboretum Trail Stroll
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a relaxing stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that make up the unique landscape of Village Creek State Park This is a…
Heart Healthy
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Evening Kayak Tour
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Looking for a unique summer evening adventure by the lake? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful kayak tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village Creek…
Heart Healthy
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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
Heart Healthy
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Water Safety
Saturday, July 19, 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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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, July 19, 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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What's the Catch?
Saturday, July 19, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while uncovering the secret…
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T.R.A.I.L.S.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Don’t leave home without it! Join a park interpreter to hike the Big Ben Trail and discover the must-haves to remain safe and have fun on trails. The Big Ben Trail is a moderately…
Heart Healthy
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Mammals of Village Creek
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age!
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Water Safety
Sunday, July 20, 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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Dip Net Discovery
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
What tiny creatures are hiding in the waters of Lake
Ouachita? Join a park interpreter in this hands-on dip netting activity to
discover the roles of Lake Ouachita’s mighty macroinvertebrates. Please…
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Arkansas: Unique and United
Sunday, July 20, 2025
/ 3:15 p.m. - 4 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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