
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
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Watch Your Step!
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Soil, grass, ants, dwarf toads; there is a lot to discover right under your feet! Join a park interpreter at the main Huckleberry Nature trailhead (trailhead nearest to campsites, on the left) to…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…
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Woolly Cabin Tour
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Afternoon Kayak Tour
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and spend the afternoon exploring beautiful Beaver Lake while learning the basics of kayaking. Meet at the visitor center and then caravan
to the launch site. All equipment is…
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Finding Footprints Bingo
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ever wonder who’s wandering through the woods when you’re not looking? Join a park interpreter to learn about Mount Magazine State Park’s wildlife by identifying their tracks and uncovering their…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover common animal adaptations and how they are used.…
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Under Construction
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures, including animal architects. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the…
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Watercolor by the Water's Edge
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a creek side painting session where water meets color! Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, this program is for all skill levels.…
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Cabin Trail Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an easy 0.5-mile hike along the Cabin Trail. This trail is a great introduction to the history, recreation opportunities, and native flora and fauna of Woolly Hollow State…
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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Stroll with a park interpreter into some intriguing history of early settlers on Mount Magazine State Park. Guests will also see some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes from Cameron’s…
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Birding 101
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the different species of birds found at Woolly Hollow State Park. Together we will learn common species, practice listening for calls, take a short walk to spot…
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Birds of Petit Jean
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the CCC Overlook on Red Bluff Drive to learn about some
of the birds we have here at Petit Jean State Park and some tips and tricks to
see a few during your stay. Bring a…
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
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Exploring Bears
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore the lives of bears! Learn fun facts about their habitat, diet, and behavior!
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Knot Knowing is Half the Fun
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Want to know how you can make good connections while fishing at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join a park interpreter for a hands-on knot tying
demonstration where you will discover how to make…
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Rock House Cave Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to hike to the park's archeology site, Rock House Cave. We will view American Indian rock art and discover more about the windows into the past that these images provide. This…
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Expedition Petit Jean
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the breezeway at Mather Lodge for Expedition Petit Jean, a 2-hour hiking program focused on planning your perfect park adventure with your abilities, experience,…
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Woolly Mammals
Friday, October 17, 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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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Cameron Bluff Overlook learn how to help Mount Magazine State Park identify and count broad-winged hawks! Participants could
potentially view broad-winged…
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