
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
The Hidden Hunt
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it. Meet a park interpreter to go on a scavenger hunt and investigate what you might miss at first glance. This program is great for…
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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
As you walk the Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Military…
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Mammals of Village Creek
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.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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Sunset Kayak Cruise
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
What better way to end the day than kayaking Lake Dunn at sunset? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful paddle tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village…
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Birding 101
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 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…
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Origami Folding: Feathered Friends
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Ready to try your hand at creating origami animals? Join a park interpreter to learn about the birds at Village Creek State Park that call this preserved habitat home. Afterwards, we will learn to…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Saturday, October 11, 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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Gourd Birdhouse Making
Saturday, October 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to create and decorate your own birdhouse made from a gourd. During this program, you will learn more about the rich history of gourd birdhouse making and how some native birds…
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Autumn Arboretum Trail Stroll
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to take a relaxing autumn stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that paint the unique landscape of Village…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, October 14, 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, October 15, 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…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.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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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, October 16, 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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Picture Perfect
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The protections of Village Creek State Park give us endless opportunities for picture perfect memories. Even though we can’t take pieces of the park home with us, a picture lasts forever! Meet a park…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
Heart Healthy
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it. Meet a park interpreter to go on a scavenger hunt and investigate what you might miss at first glance. This program is great for…
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The S.S.S. Experience
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s natural beauty sets the stage for us to enjoy the perfect camping combo: The S.S.S. Experience (Sunsets, S’mores, and Songs). Join a park interpreter outside the visitor…
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Kayak Campout
Join Lake Ouachita State Park staff to make memories and leave nothing but ripples during an overnight kayaking adventure! Come along on a guided kayak trip to a pristine shoreline campsite. There you…
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Saddle Up for St. Jude
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Join us in our effort to help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We will have children's horse and wagon rides, an auction, lunch, a barbeque dinner, music, and other activities with all of the…
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