
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Who Flooded the Lake?
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
What is pollution? How does it affect our waterways? Join a park interpreter for an interactive demo of what can happen when we dump things into waterways and lakes. How can we keep the fish in Lake…
Read more
Guess That Critter!
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
How much do you know, or think you know, about the critters that make Jacksonport State Park their home? From mammals to birds to reptiles, this is a chance to hone your cognitive skills with other…
Read more
Ceremonial Site Tour
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Plum Bayou Mounds site is one of the largest and most impressive archeological sites in the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Occupied by American Indians from about 650 to 1050 AD, this site is…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Mammals of Lake Charles
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join the park interpreter to learn about some of the local furbearing residents that call the park home. You will have the opportunity to feel the furs of various mammals as we discuss their…
Read more
Rock House Cave Hike
Saturday, October 04, 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

Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Saturday, October 04, 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
White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Step into the past of Jackson County and discover the economic power of King Cotton. This white gold was the economic backbone of the south during the 19th century and allowed the people of Jackson…
Read more
Go Outside and Play!
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Ball and cup, buzz saw, graces, and rolling hoops are just some of the toys that were used by pioneer children. Try your hand with these toys and learn about the life of a pioneer child. Even…
Read more
Nature Journaling
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Nature journaling isn't just about drawing! Join a park interpreter to learn a few different ways to nature journal and start your own journal about your time at Lake Poinsett State Park. Materials…
Read more
Sunset Stroll
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:45 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

Sunrise Hike
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Take a guided sunrise hike with a park interpreter on the Lake Sylvia Loop Trail! See what interesting plants and wildlife you can find in the early morning! This trail is 0.8 mile and moderate with a…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Woodland Wandering
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the Bear Cave trailhead for a woodland wandering along the Boy Scout Trail. We will hike along the Boy Scout Trail across the Wild Hog Crossing and explore the…
Heart Healthy
Read more

State Park Explorers: Discover, Protect, and Connect
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join the park interpreter on a fun-filled adventure to become a State Park Explorer! This interactive program is designed for kids ages 6–14 to explore what state parks are, learn how to stay safe,…
Read more
Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Early Birder Hike
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
Read more
Talk Like A Sailor 101
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Have you ever wondered where some of the phrases we use came from? Surprisingly, many originated from steamboat lingo. Join a park interpreter and learn how these phrases may or may not have changed…
Read more
Knot Tying for Camping
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Planning on a camping trip this fall? Join a park interpreter to learn to tie a variety of knots that can be utilized for camping, fishing, or even basic survival.
Read more
Bug Out! - A Game of Bug Bingo
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join us for a fun, hands-on bug bingo adventure where kids and families learn to identify local insects and arthropods. Discover the important roles bugs play in the park’s ecosystem while exploring…
Read more
Grab Bag Adventures
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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…
Read more