
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, August 15, 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…
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Early Birder Hike
Saturday, August 16, 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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Coyote Callout
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn about coyotes' place in the food chain through an interactive game with a park interpreter! What foods do they eat? How are they beneficial for the health of our ecosystem? Bring your questions…
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Firebuilding 101
Saturday, August 16, 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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Animal Signs Hike
Sunday, August 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 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…
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Summer Stargazing
Friday, August 22, 2025
/ 8:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Join
a park interpreter for this relaxing look up at the night sky. Try and spot
some constellations, shooting stars, satellites, and more. Bring a flashlight,
a chair if you'd like,…
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Let's Go Fishing!
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Hey! Let's Go Fishing! Learn basics, tips, and tricks to begin your fishing journey. Fishing
poles and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Registration is
not required, but anyone over…
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Kayak Test Drive
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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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Paracord Skills with Hike
Saturday, August 23, 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…
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Nature Hike
Sunday, August 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a fun and informative hike along the 1.1-mile Great Blue Heron Trail. We'll see what we can discover along the way.
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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, August 29, 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

Kayak Tour
Saturday, August 30, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.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,…
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Find Your Way With a Map!
Saturday, August 30, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Do you know how to use a map and compass? If you were lost without cell phone signal, could you find your way back to a road? Join a park interpreter for an introduction into wayfinding skills with…
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Monarch Migration Station
Saturday, August 30, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 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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Discovery Hike
Sunday, August 31, 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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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 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

Find Your Way With a Map!
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Do you know how to use a map and compass? If you were lost without cell phone signal, could you find your way back to a road? Join a park interpreter for an introduction into wayfinding skills with…
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Build a Bee Hotel
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
How many bees can you name? There are so many more bees than honeybees and bumblebees, and most of them are solitary bees. They need homes and temporary "hotels" to stay at on their journeys to…
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Fire Building 101
Saturday, September 20, 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…
Read more
Discovery Hike
Sunday, September 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…
Read more