
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Healing Waters
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The “healing” waters of Three Sisters Springs had an impact on many people from the past as they continue to be important to us today. Join a park interpreter for a trip back in time to rediscover the…
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Woolly Mammals
Friday, October 03, 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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10-Minute Petit Jean Skills
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.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,…
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Guess That Creature
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
How well do you know
the special creatures and features of Lake Ouachita State Park? Meet a park interpreter to take the "creature challenge." We see how good you at are at identifying photos,…
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Journaling the Journey
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Ever spotted something in the park you wished you could take home, but knew you shouldn’t? Nature journaling is the perfect way to capture what you see without disturbing the natural setting. Join a…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 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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Dutch Oven Cooking Series: Campfire Nachos
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:15 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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Snake Sense
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
There’s no such thing as a “bad snake," just misunderstood ones. Join a park interpreter to learn about Arkansas’ six venomous snake species and discover how to stay safe if you ever encounter one in…
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Campfire Coffee
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park
interpreter this morning for a lesson in campfire coffee. Learn some helpful brewing techniques before enjoying a cup
yourself!
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Great Arkansas Cleanup
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for the Great Arkansas Cleanup at Lake Ouachita! Spend a day on the water making a difference. We’ll meet at the Lake Ouachita State Park Marina and head out at 9 a.m. on a large, covered…
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Annual Keep Arkansas Beautiful Crater Cleanup
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Do your part to help clean up Crater of Diamonds State Park! We're hosting our annual cleanup event, in conjunction with the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission's fall Great Arkansas Cleanup campaign.…
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Leave No Trace Watercolors
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Do you know the 7 principles of Leave No Trace? Join a park interpreter to make your very own artwork and learn about the different ways we can help keep our park clean and healthy for other visitors…
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Campground Basics!
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Celebrate National S'mores Day by learning some campground basics! Join a park interpreter to gather a packing list, learn how to pitch a tent, and remember some Leave No Trace principles to top off…
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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…
Heart Healthy
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Ceremonial Site Tour
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 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
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Leave No Trace When Camping
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Camping is a lot of fun! But it can sometimes get a little messy. The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the…
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Eco-Artistry: Leaf Pottery Painting
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Create a fun craft while enjoying the beauty of Lake Sylvia Recreation Area! At this program, you'll learn about the trees we have here at Lake Sylvia while painting a small pottery bowl stamped with…
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Snakes of Cossatot River
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Stop by Brushy Creek Recreation Area to learn about the many snakes of the park and paint your very own wooden snake to take home! This is a come and go station.
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Life in Lake Bailey
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 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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