Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Wild Women Wednesday Hiking Group
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Ladies, are you looking for someone to go hiking with? Join the Pinnacle Mountain Wild Women and a park interpreter for a hike on one of the Pinnacle Mountain State Park's gorgeous trails or a…
Read more
Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 19, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.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.
Read more
Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.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…
Read more
“Hands-On” Candle Making Workshop
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us at Historic Washington State Park’s Candle Shop and
be part of a hands-on experience making candles and learning the history of
candle making. Not only will you make your own creations, but…
Read more
Merry Makers Craft Day
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy making charming crafts with your family while sipping hot cocoa or wassail and nibbling on holiday treats. Create memories as well as keepsakes that you can carry with you when you leave. This…
Read more
Winter Workshop Series: Campfire Cooking Basics
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for a
class in campfire cooking basics. We will use multiple mechanisms to cook
outdoors – including cast iron over a campfire, Dutch ovens, and foil…
Read more
Along the Arboretum
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
“Arboretum” translates to “a place for trees,” and this 1/2-mile paved trail exhibits dozens of native trees and plants. Join a park interpreter to discover the botanical life found in the natural…
Read more
Eagle Watch Cruise
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Looking for an adventure? Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching cruise on DeGray Lake. We will spend the hour searching for wintering bald eagles, ospreys, loons, herons, grebes, ducks,…
Read more
Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 20, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Walk into the past with us to discover what archeologists have uncovered about the people who lived here over 1,000 years ago. The story of the Plum Bayou people will be revealed, including why…
Read more
Finding Woody
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover the many woodpeckers that make Petit Jean State Park their home. The program will include a short walk by Lake
Bailey for a chance to see a few. Bring…
Read more
Knots and Navigation
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 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.
Read more
Eagle Watch Cruise
Sunday, December 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Looking for an adventure? Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching cruise on DeGray Lake. We will spend the hour searching for wintering bald eagles, ospreys, loons, herons, grebes, ducks,…
Read more
Legacy of Mather Lodge
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.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.
Read more
Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.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…
Read more
Woodland Wandering
Saturday, December 27, 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…
Read more
Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, December 27, 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…
Read more
Eagle Watch Cruise
Saturday, December 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Looking for an adventure? Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching cruise on DeGray Lake. We will spend the hour searching for wintering bald eagles, ospreys, loons, herons, grebes, ducks,…
Read more
10-Minute Petit Jean Skills
Sunday, December 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Want to level up your campfire game? Stop inside the Historic Mather Lodge where you’ll learn essential outdoor skills in just 10 minutes at a time! Whether it’s building the perfect camp,…
Read more
Firelight Reflections
Sunday, December 28, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
As the new year approaches, take a moment to pause,
reflect, and prepare for fresh beginnings at Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter in the cozy Mather Lodge lobby for a morning of…
Read more
Eagle Watch Cruise
Sunday, December 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Looking for an adventure? Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching cruise on DeGray Lake. We will spend the hour searching for wintering bald eagles, ospreys, loons, herons, grebes, ducks,…
Read more