
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Return of the Ozark Chinquapin
Sunday, September 14, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Mather Lodge breezeway to learn about Arkansas’ native chestnut trees. Once prevalent in Arkansas, these trees with their edible nuts have disappeared from the landscape…
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Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Sunday, September 14, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 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…
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Cedar Creek Rock Creep
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
From carpet rocks to iron formations along a beautiful creek, Cedar Creek Trail is one of the most fascinating areas of Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover some of the trees…
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.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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Hikin' for Lichen
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
It covers our trees, rocks, and even buildings-but we seldom notice. Join a park interpreter to witness the hidden vibrance of Petit Jean State Park’s lichens. This is a moderately difficult…
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Summer Serenade: The Frogs of Lake Bailey
Friday, September 19, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Every summer evening the lake comes alive with a chorus of frogs! Meet a park interpreter to hear their song and learn the froggy faces behind our summer serenade.
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Legends of Petit Jean
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.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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Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, September 20, 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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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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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