
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
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Color Scavenger Hunt
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter to search for what colors can be found around Village Creek State Park. This program is great for kids of any age.
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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
Heart Healthy
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Become a State Park Junior Ranger
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the Junior Ranger Program, a program intended for kids aged 6-14 to connect with Arkansas State Parks and our resources. Start your journey to become…
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The Hidden Hunt
Saturday, June 28, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it. Meet a park interpreter to go on a scavenger hunt and investigate what you might miss at first glance. This program is great for…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, June 29, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions have at our park. This is a 0.5-mile…
Heart Healthy
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Discovering Nature Journals
Sunday, June 29, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Journals are a great way to preserve memories of your trip to the park and your experience the day of the solar eclipse. Join the park interpreter to make your own journal, pick up journaling tips and…
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Color Scavenger Hunt
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter to search for what colors can be found around Village Creek State Park. This program is great for kids of any age.
Read more
Water Safety
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Austell? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
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Evening Kayak Tour
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Looking for a unique summer evening adventure by the lake? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful kayak tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village Creek…
Heart Healthy
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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Water Safety
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Dunn? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
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Mammals of Village Creek
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age!
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions have at our park. This is a 0.5-mile…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Discovering Nature Journals
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Journals are a great way to preserve memories of your trip to the park and your experience the day of the solar eclipse. Join the park interpreter to make your own journal, pick up journaling tips and…
Read more
Nature Connections Stroll
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to connect with nature on the Arboretum Trail. We will use our senses to explore what makes Village Creek State Park Special, all while capturing our discoveries on paper. This…
Heart Healthy
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Pollinators and their 'Buds'
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about the wildflowers and pollinators of Village Creek State Park, then create a paper flower memento. This program is fun for the whole family.
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Birding 101
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
Heart Healthy
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Water Safety
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Dunn? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
Read more
Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
Read more