
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Cabin Trail Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an easy 0.5-mile hike along the Cabin Trail. This trail is a great introduction to the history, recreation opportunities, and native flora and fauna of Woolly Hollow State…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Geocaching Island Hopper
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Whether you are a diehard geocacher or completely new to the activity, this excursion is sure to satisfy your craving for adventure! With GPS units/smartphones in hand, we will travel by…
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Birding 101
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the different species of birds found at Woolly Hollow State Park. Together we will learn common species, practice listening for calls, take a short walk to spot…
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Birds of Petit Jean
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the CCC Overlook on Red Bluff Drive to learn about some
of the birds we have here at Petit Jean State Park and some tips and tricks to
see a few during your stay. Bring a…
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Exploring Bears
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore the lives of bears! Learn fun facts about their habitat, diet, and behavior!
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Pop Can Fishing
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Forgot your fishing pole? No problem! Join a park interpreter to discover an innovative way to fish on a whim. All you will need to bring is a soda can, and we will show you the rest. Drinks can be…
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Mammals of the Mountain
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How well do you know the mammals of Queen Wilhelmina State Park? Join a park interpreter to discover some fascinating (and furry) facts about the animals that call this mountain home!
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Expedition Petit Jean
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the breezeway at Mather Lodge for Expedition Petit Jean, a 2-hour hiking program focused on planning your perfect park adventure with your abilities, experience,…
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Rock House Cave Hike
Friday, October 17, 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…
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Woolly Mammals
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter at the Woolly Cabin to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age and will last around…
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Nature Arts and Crafts: Pine Needle Masterpieces
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the main pavilion to create a wonderful masterpiece using natural materials such as Arkansas' state tree, the loblolly pine! We will use pine needles to create unique pieces…
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Earth Science Week: Cookie Mines
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Before Crater of Diamonds State Park existed, this land that is now the state park was commercially mined. Do you think you have what it takes to run your own commercial mine? Using real chocolate…
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Bear Necessities
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Did you know Arkansas was historically known as “The Bear State?” The story of Arkansas’ black bears is one of upheaval and resilience. Join a park interpreter to explore the history of black bears in…
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Dutch Oven Cooking Series: Peach Cobbler
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for a delicious peach cobbler baked entirely in a Dutch oven! We will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking including how to season, cook, and clean a…
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Night Hike at the Reservoir
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 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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Kayak Campout
Join Lake Ouachita State Park staff to make memories and leave nothing but ripples during an overnight kayaking adventure! Come along on a guided kayak trip to a pristine shoreline campsite. There you…
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Sunrise Hike on the West Summit
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 6:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Join a park interpreter as we depart from the West Summit trailhead to the top of Pinnacle Mountain to experience the sunrise over the Arkansas River valley. This hike is 1.5 miles round trip, and…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
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