
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Keep Arkansas Beautiful - Parkin Planter Project
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Parkin Archeological State Park and the Parkin Beautification Committee are partnering together to clean up the planters that line the streets of Parkin. There will be water and snacks provided. No…
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Geocaching Island Hopper
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 17, 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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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
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Pop Can Fishing
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.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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Ready, Aim, Fire!
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Cannons are an iconic part of the Civil War battlefield. Join a park interpreter to learn more about these explosive weapons of war, and go through the same drill soldiers would have learned in order…
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The Hidden Hunt
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it. Meet a park interpreter to go on a scavenger hunt and investigate what you might miss at first glance. This program is great for…
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Mammals of the Mountain
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How well do you know the mammals of Queen Wilhelmina State Park? Join a park interpreter to discover some fascinating (and furry) facts about the animals that call this mountain home!
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Nature Arts and Crafts: Pine Needle Masterpieces
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the main pavilion to create a wonderful masterpiece using natural materials such as Arkansas' state tree, the loblolly pine! We will use pine needles to create unique pieces…
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Not So Scary Snakes
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Think all snakes are scary? Think again! In this fun, fact-filled program, students will discover the truth about snakes—how they move, why they bite (or don’t), and the important role they play at…
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Feeling Froggy!
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Visit with a park interpreter to learn more about the wonderful world of frogs and toads. How are they the same, and what are their differences? Frogs help control the insect population and are a good…
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Earth Science Week: Cookie Mines
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Before Crater of Diamonds State Park existed, this land that is now the state park was commercially mined. Do you think you have what it takes to run your own commercial mine? Using real chocolate…
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Scatologist Training
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join us for "The Scoop on Poop!" and become a scatologist at Lake Frierson State Park! Explore the fascinating world of animal scat and learn how studying it can reveal what animals eat, where they…
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In Search of the White River Monster
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike along the beach and learn about the history of White River Monster sightings while watching for items that may have been mistaken for this mythical monster in the…
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Bear Necessities
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Did you know Arkansas was historically known as “The Bear State?” The story of Arkansas’ black bears is one of upheaval and resilience. Join a park interpreter to explore the history of black bears in…
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Dutch Oven Cooking Series: Peach Cobbler
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for a delicious peach cobbler baked entirely in a Dutch oven! We will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking including how to season, cook, and clean a…
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The S.S.S. Experience
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s natural beauty sets the stage for us to enjoy the perfect camping combo: The S.S.S. Experience (Sunsets, S’mores, and Songs). Join a park interpreter outside the visitor…
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Ghost Walks
Saturday, October 18, 2025
/ 12 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.
Powhatan and Northeast Arkansas have a long, rich history. Century-old buildings, the Black River, and old cemeteries play host to Powhatan’s ghost stories, folktales, and legends. What makes the…
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