Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 19, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
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Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
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Winter Workshop Series: Campfire Cooking Basics
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for a
class in campfire cooking basics. We will use multiple mechanisms to cook
outdoors – including cast iron over a campfire, Dutch ovens, and foil…
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Finding Woody
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover the many woodpeckers that make Petit Jean State Park their home. The program will include a short walk by Lake
Bailey for a chance to see a few. Bring…
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Knots and Navigation
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Carrie to put your knot tying skills to the test. Then join in to find a hidden spot using your navigation abilities. This program lasts about 30 minutes.
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
Read more
Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
Read more
Woodland Wandering
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the Bear Cave trailhead for a woodland wandering along the Boy Scout Trail. We will hike along the Boy Scout Trail across the Wild Hog Crossing and explore the…
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Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
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10-Minute Petit Jean Skills
Sunday, December 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Want to level up your campfire game? Stop inside the Historic Mather Lodge where you’ll learn essential outdoor skills in just 10 minutes at a time! Whether it’s building the perfect camp,…
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Firelight Reflections
Sunday, December 28, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
As the new year approaches, take a moment to pause,
reflect, and prepare for fresh beginnings at Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter in the cozy Mather Lodge lobby for a morning of…
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First Day Hikes - Sunrise at Petit Jean's Gravesite
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 7 a.m. - 7:45 a.m.
Start the year in the most inspiring way—watching the first sunrise of 2026 from Petit Jean’s Gravesite. Join park interpreters for the timeless legend of Petit Jean while enjoying light morning…
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First Day Hikes - Cedar Falls First Day Challenge
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Begin 2026 with adventure! Hike with a park interpreter down the Cedar Falls Trail to one of Arkansas’ most iconic waterfalls. This strenuous hike covers steep terrain, but the reward is worth it: the…
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First Day Hikes - Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll - A New Year's View
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Looking for a gentle but meaningful way to celebrate the first day of the year? Join a park interpreter for a short, easy stroll to the Cedar Falls Overlook. Along the way, we’ll reflect on the…
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First Day Hikes - Windows to the Past
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Step back in time on the Rock House Cave Trail, where ancient markings tell stories of people long ago. Join a park interpreter at the Rock House Cave parking area for this guided 45-minute guided…
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First Day Hikes - Family Discovery Trek
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Kick off the year with curiosity and adventure! This family-friendly hike invites explorers of all ages to discover the natural wonders of Petit Jean State Park—trees, tracks, and tales hidden along…
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Winter Workshop Series: Hiking 101 - Winter Edition
Saturday, January 10, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join park staff for a special hiking 101 course.
This course will include a hike along the park's Boy Scout Trail. While we won’t complete the full trail, we will hike about 7 miles of it. This is a…
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Winter Workshop Series: Live Like the CCC
Saturday, February 07, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join park staff for a hands-on workshop to learn
what life and work was like for the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp 1731 at
Petit Jean State Park. This interactive program lasts about 3 hours.…
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Winter Workshop Series: Navigation 101
Saturday, February 28, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn how to navigate
using a map and compass to enhance your experiences while outdoors at Petit
Jean State Park. This is a 3-hour course that will include about 1.5 hours…
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