
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Meet a park superintendent at the pavilion area to enjoy a scrumptious soup cooked in a Dutch oven. Learn the basics of cast iron cooking and how to season and care for them. Bring a cool or…
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Dip Net Discovery (Shoreline by Marina)
Monday, June 02, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
What tiny fish and other creatures are hiding in the waters of DeGray Lake? This is your chance to find out and discuss the role of these elusive wonders. Meet a park interpreter for this hands-on…
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Survival Keychains
Monday, June 02, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Imagine you are lost and stranded in the wilderness without food or gear. What will it take to survive? Join a park interpreter to learn the basics of survival while making your own survival keychain…
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Monday, June 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 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 can be made beginning…
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Woolly Mammals
Monday, June 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center 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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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, June 03, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, June 03, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.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
Tuesday, June 03, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.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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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, June 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Archeological Excavation: Guided Walking Tour
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park will host an archeological excavation during the first two weeks of June, and you’re invited! This is one of the largest and most impressive archeological…
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Kayak Koving
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Kayaking gives you the opportunity to interact with Lake Ouachita in a fun and engaging way. Join a park interpreter as we paddle out to explore nearby coves. Kayaks, paddles and…
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, June 04, 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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Archeological Excavation: Mock Dig
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park will host an archeological excavation during the first two weeks of June, and you’re invited! While you’re here to see the actual archeological excavation,…
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Snorkeling
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to explore Lake Ouachita in a new way. We will boat out to an island or shoreline in the lake and snorkel around the island shore to see what lies beneath the water's…
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Woodpecker Walk (Green Heron Trail)
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Woodpeckers can be found all over the park in several different shapes and colors. Learn how to spot evidence of woodpecker activity and learn about these strange and fascinating birds on…
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Archeological Excavation: Guided Tram Tour
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park will host an archeological excavation during the first two weeks of June, and you’re invited! This is one of the largest and most impressive archeological…
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Nature Journals
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There is a lot to explore at Crater of Diamonds State Park! Whether you are an entry level rock hound or are a wildflower wanderer, a nature journal can help you document your finds. Meet in the…
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Sunset Cruise
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 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 can be made beginning…
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Spider Sniffing Night Hike
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Bring a flashlight and a friend because we’re going to be sniffing for spiders! Join a park interpreter to unravel the web of lies about these fascinating creatures while searching for them…
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Discovery Hike (Dogwood Trail)
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
The
Ouachita National Forest provides a protective zone for wildlife around the
lake. Meet a park interpreter at the Dogwood trailhead to take a guided 1/2-mile
hike and discover the…
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