
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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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Friday, September 12, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, September 12, 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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Arkansas Trivia
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin for a fun game of Arkansas Trivia. Put your knowledge to the test and compete with other teams for prizes!
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Nature Cabin
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Stop by the nature cabin to discover the things that make Lake Catherine State Park so special. Park interpreters will be available to give brief programs, help start your explorer program, or answer…
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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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Pinecone Bird Feeders
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
From worms to seeds, fish to insects, birds have quite a menu! Join a park interpreter to learn what different birds eat and craft your own all-natural pinecone bird feeder to take home. Note: This…
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Edible Insects (Visitor Center)
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
In other parts of the world, eating insects is considered a delicacy! Today, a park interpreter will test your notion of who really eats bugs and who doesn’t. Are you brave enough to join the “I Ate A…
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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…
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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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Owl Pellet Dissection: The Leftovers Lab
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Many meat-eating birds, like owls, have an interesting way of dealing with unwanted parts of their food. Join a park interpreter for a closer look at owl pellets, nature’s version of a mystery puzzle.…
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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…
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Learn about nature and see a new perspective on our nature scavenger hunt! Join a park interpreter for a guided 3/4-mile hike to complete this outdoor scavenger hunt. Please wear good shoes…
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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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Dutch Oven Cooking Series: Campfire Nachos
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Ready for some easy and delicious campfire nachos cooked in a Dutch oven? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for this Dutch oven dinner! We will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking in this…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops, and unique islands. Seating is limited. Reservations are required and can be made…
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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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Discovery Hike
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Slunger Creek Nature Trail to explore the sights and sounds Lake Catherine State Park has to offer. This stroll takes about 30 minutes and is about 3/4-mile long. Be…
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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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