
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Life in Lake Bailey
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a chance to examine the unseen life that resides beneath the surface of Lake Bailey. We will learn about the unique ecosystem our lake supports, and the aquatic…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Meet a Tree
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
Read more
Knots and Navigation
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 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.
Read more
Rock House Cave Hike
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to hike to the park's archeology site, Rock House Cave. We will view American Indian rock art and discover more about the windows into the past that these images provide. This…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike down a small section of the Boy Scout Trail. This hike will lead us up along the canyon for a spectacular view of the Cedar Creek canyon. Be sure to wear sturdy…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
Read more
Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
Read more
Birding 101
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Interested in birding but not sure where to start? Join a park interpreter for an introduction to birding basics at the visitor center breezeway. We will take an easy walk around the visitor center…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for this easy, handicap accessible, 1/4-mile stroll. We will talk about some of the things that make Petit Jean State Park a special place, as well as enjoy the view of Cedar…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Meet a Tree
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
Read more
Rock House Cave Hike
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to hike to the park's archeology site, Rock House Cave. We will view American Indian rock art and discover more about the windows into the past that these images provide. This…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Sunset Stroll
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to take a short stroll to the CCC Overlook where you can watch the sunset from one of the most scenic locations in the park. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Great Arkansas Cleanup and National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 27, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Help keep Petit Jean State Park clean and litter free! Join us for a few hours of litter pickup and be rewarded with a free cookout lunch. Following lunch there is a door prize giveaway for…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Birding 101
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Interested in birding but not sure where to start? Join a park interpreter for an introduction to birding basics. We will walk a relatively easy 1/2-mile section of the Seven Hollows Trail, and you…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Bear Cave Hike
Sunday, September 28, 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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Natural Bridge Hike
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
When the area known as Petit Jean State Park was set aside as a public land in 1923, it set precedent for the establishment of state parks in Arkansas. Meet a park interpreter at the Seven…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Night Hike at the Reservoir
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a special night-hiking experience around the Reservoir and the CCC Hike and Bike Trail. We will look for some of the nocturnal creatures that call Petit Jean Mountain home.…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Senior American Special at Petit Jean State Park
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Thursday, October 23, 2025
Experience the scenic beauty of Petit Jean State Park while enjoying the hospitality of the friendly park staff! Join us for free guided walks, talks, demonstrations, and entertainment.…
Read more
Christmas Open House
Saturday, December 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
See Petit Jean State Park’s Mather Lodge dressed in its Christmas finery. Enjoy family-oriented arts and crafts activities and seasonal entertainment. Contact the park for a…
Read more