
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Legends of Petit Jean
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
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Nature vs. Nurture
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
From instincts to experience, animals at Lake Dardanelle State Park learn what it takes to survive. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to discover how…
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Hiking Tips: Are You Ready?
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Are you prepared for your hike at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Do you have the equipment and skills necessary for a fun and safe hike? Meet a park interpreter to discover more about…
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Basic Crochet Workshop
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Crochet is a practical, historic skill that
leaves room for creativity. Join park staff to learn basic stitches and how to
read patterns and leave with your project, patterns, and the skills for so…
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Hiking Skills: Map and Compass
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hands-on demonstration and exercise of using a map and compass. This program will allow you the opportunity to properly utilize a topographic map for better preparedness…
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Keys to the Kingfisher Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter as we meander along the shore of the Little Maumelle River along the Kingfisher Trail, learning about the local flora and fauna that make up this unique wetland…
Heart Healthy
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Mysterious Forest Objects Tabletop
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Look at some mysterious objects found in
the forest around Hobbs, see if you can identify them, then learn more about
them. A 15-minute program begins every half hour. Come and go as you
please.
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Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.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…
Heart Healthy
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Light It Up
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The power of the Arkansas River lights up your world and life in the river valley every day. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the Arkansas River…
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Connect the Pollinator
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Curious about what pollinator is best suited for what plant? What colors attract bees or butterflies? What are host plants? Join a park interpreter to connect the dots on all things pollinators at…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
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In-Seine Adventure
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many opportunities for enjoyment as it journeys through Lake Dardanelle. What all lives in the lake besides fish and turtles? Well, here is your chance to find out. We will…
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Life in Lake Bailey
Saturday, September 20, 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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Nature Sun Catcher
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn about plants and get creative! Create a nature sun catcher to hang in your home!
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History of Hobbs Tabletop
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn more about the
history that took place here, including the establishment of this state park,
and the interesting people that made history happen! A 15-minute program…
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Critter Quest on the Monument Trail
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a quick adventure into nature’s hidden corners. We’ll search high and low - peeking under rocks, check trees, and explore the forest floor to uncover tiny creatures like…
Heart Healthy
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Wildlife Bingo
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
You can explore nature at this park because Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room and discover…
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Woolly Cabin Tour
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Love history? Join a park interpreter to learn more about our local history while touring the 143-year-old Woolly Cabin! The inside of the cabin can only be viewed during tours, so don’t…
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Flintknapping Demonstration
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Ever wonder how ancient Archaic and Mississippian people made stone tools like arrowheads, axes, and knives? Join a park interpreter at the demonstration area, behind the visitor center, to learn…
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