
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Early Birder Hike
Sunday, June 15, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, June 20, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Most of the critters living at Lake Poinsett State Park are nocturnal and only come out at night. Join a park interpreter to discuss these nighttime critter calls, behaviors, and how to spot them…
Heart Healthy
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Discovery Hike
Saturday, June 21, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an easy hike down the Pale Wood Trail where we will discover what nature has in store. Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, and your nature questions! Closed-toe…
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Monarch Migration Station
Saturday, June 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
How do monarchs manage to migrate over 3,000 miles? What challenges do they face on their journey? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park to learn about the challenges monarchs face…
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Survival Shelter Building
Saturday, June 21, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What are the main things we need to survive a night out in the woods? Learn these and different shelter types that will work in different situations. Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State…
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, June 22, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
Read more
Kayak Tour
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is from inside a kayak! Whether it's paddling along the shoreline or exploring quiet coves, the beauty of the lake is worth a look. Flatwater kayaks, paddles,…
Heart Healthy
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Mammal Furs
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Mammals are found all over Arkansas and come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Join a park interpreter to learn about some of these unique creatures and the roles they play in our world.
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Paracord Skills with Hike
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
What if you were lost in the wilderness without food, water, or shelter? What if you always had a tool on hand to help you? Paracord can be the answer and is an invaluable tool in any outdoor person's…
Heart Healthy
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, June 29, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
Read more
Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Most of the critters living at Lake Poinsett State Park are nocturnal and only come out at night. Join a park interpreter to discuss these nighttime critter calls, behaviors, and how to spot them…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Animal Signs Hike
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Sometimes we don't see the animals that live at Lake Poinsett State Park because they're nocturnal or good at hiding. How else can we see signs of these critters at the park? Join a park interpreter…
Heart Healthy
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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
What's that strange thing in the bag? We often use our senses of smell, sight, and hearing to experience the outdoors, but what about our sense of touch? Join a park interpreter for this fun…
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Fire Building 101
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What are the three essential things a fire needs to thrive? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park and learn about fire building and safety. We might even have a few campfire stories to…
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Discovery Hike
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an easy hike down the Pale Wood Trail where we will discover what nature has in store. Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, and your nature questions! Closed-toe…
Read more
Kayak Test Drive
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Have you ever kayaked, or are you a complete beginner? No problem! Join a park interpreter for this hands-on kayak test drive! Learn the basics of paddling and then try it yourself. No previous…
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Meet a Snake
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn what the snakes of Arkansas can do for us and how they go about their everyday lives. You'll even get the chance to meet some live ones!
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Sunset Kayak Tour
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake at sunset is from inside a kayak. Whether it be paddling along the shoreline or exploring quiet coves, the beauty of the lake is worth a look. Flatwater kayaks,…
Heart Healthy
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