
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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…
Heart Healthy
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Leave No Trace Hike
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on the trail to discover the seven Leave No Trace principles and learn how you can minimize your impact when recreating outdoors. This is a 3.5-mile hike round trip rated…
Heart Healthy
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Archeological Excavation: Guided Walking Tour
Thursday, June 05, 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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Nature Journals
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to make your very own nature journal. Take this keepsake with you and use it to record your future experiences in nature! All materials provided. Appropriate for all…
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Archeological Excavation: Artifacts Tell a Story
Thursday, June 05, 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! During this program, we will have a few artifacts found during…
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Edible Insects (Amphitheater)
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.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…
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Snorkeling Adventure
Thursday, June 05, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sign up early for this water adventure! We'll boat out to the main river channel or even an island and snorkel along the shoreline in search of fish, rocks, plants, and more! Masks, fins, and snorkels…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, June 05, 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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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, June 05, 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 Tram Tour
Thursday, June 05, 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…
Read more
Sunset Cruise
Thursday, June 05, 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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Pop Can Fishing
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.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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Archeological Excavation: Guided Walking Tour
Friday, June 06, 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…
Read more
Bank Fishing
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Itchin’ to go fishin’? Join a park interpreter at the shoreline to practice your fishing skills and unearth the ecological importance of riparian zones. If you have your own fishing pole,…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, June 06, 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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The Life of a Fish
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to discover the life cycle of Cossatot River fish from egg to adult. Learn about common species in the river and leave with your own fish life cycle craft!
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Cane Pole Fishing
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fishing is a great pastime. Too often, though, people get caught up in the gadgets rather than the sport. Come out and learn to fish “old school.” Poles and bait will be provided.
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Archeological Excavation: Piecing Together History
Friday, June 06, 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! During this program, we will have a few artifacts found during…
Read more
Casting Contest
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
When it comes to fishing at Lake Ouachita State Park, practice makes perfect! Join a park interpreter to discover the diverse gamefish species found in Lake Ouachita while practicing your casting…
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Fishing Information Table
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Stop by the falls to get information and handouts all about the fish of Cossatot River and how you can enjoy Free Fishing Weekend 2025 at the park! This is a come and go station.
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