
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Great Arkansas Cleanup: Glass Recycling Drop-Off
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - Saturday, September 13, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Recycling was an essential part of rural life for people living over a century ago and it should remain an important part of ours today. One item that can be hard to recycle is glass, so let…
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Guided Hike: The Eternal Flame
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Over 200 years ago, 660 Cherokee walked the Military Road that runs through Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter at the Lake Austell boat ramp parking lot as we hike Military Road Trail…
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Become a State Park Explorer
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the State Park Explorer Program, intended for kids aged 6-14 to connect with Arkansas State Parks and our resources. Start your journey to become an…
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Scaly and Slimy Critters
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn about the reptiles and amphibians that call Lake Sylvia home!
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Grab-bag Adventures
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Are you brave enough to stick your hand into the unknown depths of the nature grab bag and try to guess what's inside? Meet the park interpreter for this hilarious audience participation adventure…
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Songbird Symphony
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s diverse birds create a symphony of bird songs for our enjoyment! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn more about the birds in this symphony, quick tips for…
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Bear Cave Hike
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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
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Owl Pellet Dissection
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
What is an owl's favorite food? Join a park interpreter to learn more about the diet of the owls in Woolly Hollow State Park. This program includes a pellet dissection; all supplies will be provided.
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Nature's Cleanup Crew: The Hidden World of Dung Beetles
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Explore the vital role dung beetles play at Lake Frierson State Park, helping to recycle nutrients and maintain healthy ecosystems. Learn how these fascinating creatures contribute to the park’s…
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Chunkey Champions
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Before the days of baseball, a different type of game dominated the United States. Join Park Interpreter Megan to learn about the indigenous game of Chunkey and then play the game for yourself. Do you…
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Life in Lake Bailey
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 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
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Possum Passel
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You've probably seen one squashed on the side of the road, and you might have even driven through the town of Possum Grape, but how much do you really know about these elusive creatures? Join a park…
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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 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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Wealth in the Water
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Discover the fascinating world of White River pearling as the residents of Jacksonport experienced it at the turn of the 20th century. See the equipment used by divers and learn about the multitude of…
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Lake Bennett Kayak Tour
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Explore what makes Lake Bennett unique with the park interpreter! During this kayak tour we will paddle to various areas of interest around the lake and stop for discussion at a few iconic spots. No…
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Night Hike at the Reservoir
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:15 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.…
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Summer Stargazing
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this relaxing look up at the night sky. Try and spot some constellations, shooting stars, satellites, and more. Bring a flashlight, a chair if you'd like, and dress…
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Women in the Woods: Backpacking the Cane Creek Lake Trail
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Sunday, September 14, 2025
You can grow your roots in Arkansas State Parks. Join the park interpreters as Lake Frierson State Park’s Women in the Woods series hits the trail for a backpacking trip at Cane Creek State Park! We…
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Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2025: Scales, Tails, and Survival Tools
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Sunday, September 14, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Slither into the world of snakes at your own pace with this self-guided craft! Learn how these legless reptiles survive in the wild with a fun, hands-on activity designed for scouts of all ages. Pick…
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Jewels of the Glade
Saturday, September 13, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Searching for the collared lizard is no small
feat. Some search their whole lives seeking the opportunity to experience these
mountain boomers. Join a park interpreter for an exciting,…
Heart Healthy
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