
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, October 12, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.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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Picture Perfect
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The protections of Village Creek State Park give us endless opportunities for picture perfect memories. Even though we can’t take pieces of the park home with us, a picture lasts forever! Meet a park…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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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The S.S.S. Experience
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s natural beauty sets the stage for us to enjoy the perfect camping combo: The S.S.S. Experience (Sunsets, S’mores, and Songs). Join a park interpreter outside the visitor…
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Saddle Up for St. Jude
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Join us in our effort to help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We will have children's horse and wagon rides, an auction, lunch, a barbeque dinner, music, and other activities with all of the…
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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
As you walk the Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Military…
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Mammals of Village Creek
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
As you walk the Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Military…
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Pollinators and their 'Buds'
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about the wildflowers and pollinators of Village Creek State Park, then create a take-home paper flower memento. This program is fun for the whole family.
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What's the Catch?
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while uncovering the secret…
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Fire Building Basics
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
What’s a camping trip without a campfire? From making s’mores to sharing campfire stories, sitting around a campfire can spark lifelong memories. Join a park interpreter to learn…
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The Guides Above Us
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
In the dark skies of Village Creek State Park, you find eternal guides. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to hear stories about the guides in the sky, lessons these guides have taught…
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Trick or Treat at Village Creek
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join Village Creek State Park and the Cross County Chamber of Commerce for Trick or Treat at Village Creek State Park. Local businesses will sponsor each campsite, providing decorations and candy for…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
Heart Healthy
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Color Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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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Erosion in Motion
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Erosion has shaped past, present and future at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover the unique geology of the park and the stories erosion simultaneously preserves and…
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Autumn Arboretum Trail Stroll
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to take a relaxing autumn stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that paint the unique landscape of Village…
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Sunset Kayak Cruise
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What better way to end the day than kayaking Lake Dunn at sunset? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful paddle tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village…
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