
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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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Senior Kayak Tour of Lake Fort Smith
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Fort Smith from a kayak. Take the opportunity to observe quiet coves, waterfalls, and wildlife available from the unique perspective a kayak. Flatwater kayaks, paddles, and…
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Sunny Life of a Reptile
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Why do reptiles bathe in the sun? Join a park interpreter to learn more about the lives of the reptiles found in Woolly Hollow State Park. After discussing reptile traits and habits, we will make a…
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Macroinvertebrates Look & Learn Table
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle has an abundance of macroinvertebrates living in the water. Stop by the park interpreter’s Look & Learn Table at the visitor center to find out what some of our macroinvertebrates…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.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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Return of the Ozark Chinquapin
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Mather Lodge breezeway to learn about Arkansas’ native chestnut trees. Once prevalent in Arkansas, these trees with their edible nuts have disappeared from the landscape…
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Bats vs. Moths
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
How do bats catch something as small as a moth at night? How do moths try to avoid getting eaten by bats? Join a park interpreter to learn all about it and play a game of bats vs. moths.
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Wonders on the Monument Trail
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Explore Monument Trails with a park interpreter on a 1-mile journey through forest and stone. This moderate hike invites discovery at every turn—just don’t forget your sturdy footwear and plenty of…
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Fall Equinox Celebration
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Over 1,000 years ago, the Plum Bayou Culture built this unique mound complex for ceremonial activities that may have included games, feasts, and other special celebrations. Celebrate the fall season…
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Meet a Tree
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
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Sunset Kayaking
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is known for its stunning sunsets. Enjoy the beauty as we paddle along some of the seldom-seen shorelines of this 34,000-acre lake. Sign up at the visitor center (479)…
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CCC or Not?
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Step into the past with a park interpreter and play the exciting game “CCC or Not?” Uncover the fascinating story on what the CCC is all about and how important they are for Devil's Den State Park.
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Brass in the Clouds
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Mount Nebo State Park invites you to an evening of music and majesty at the 20th anniversary of Brass in the Clouds! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the sun set to the soundtrack of Arkansas…
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Nightshift Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 8:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
When the sun goes down, the forest wakes up in a whole new way at Mount Magazine State Park. Join a park interpreter on a guided night hike to meet the wild creatures who rule the dark, from stealthy…
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Rings Over Magazine: Saturn Viewing
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturn will be visible in Mount Magazine’s remarkably dark skies! Try to catch a glimpse of those iconic rings with a park interpreter from Cameron
Bluff Overlook! Be sure to dress in seasonally…
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Hike to the Waterfall
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a hike to the waterfall on the Ozark Highlands Trail. This trek is designed for all ages. Just bring your appreciation of waterfalls
and your ability to walk…
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Prepare Like the Bear
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Throughout the spring and summer seasons, Arkansas' black bear populations have been eating everything they can find to prepare for hibernation in the winter months. Join a park interpreter to learn…
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Knots and Navigation
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Carrie to put your knot tying skills to the test. Then join in to find a hidden spot using your navigation abilities. This program lasts about 30 minutes.
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Lake Bennett Kayak Tour
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Explore what makes Lake Bennett unique with the park interpreter! During this kayak tour we will paddle to various areas of interest around the lake and stop for discussion at a few iconic spots. No…
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