
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Daybreak Diamond Tour
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
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Guided Hike: The Eternal Flame
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Over 200 years ago, 660 Cherokee walked the Military Road that runs through Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter at the Lake Austell boat ramp parking lot as we hike Military Road Trail…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, September 12, 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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Become a State Park Explorer
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the State Park Explorer Program, intended for kids aged 6-14 to connect with Arkansas State Parks and our resources. Start your journey to become an…
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Arkansas Trivia
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin for a fun game of Arkansas Trivia. Put your knowledge to the test and compete with other teams for prizes!
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Grab-bag Adventures
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Are you brave enough to stick your hand into the unknown depths of the nature grab bag and try to guess what's inside? Meet the park interpreter for this hilarious audience participation adventure…
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Nature Cabin
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Stop by the nature cabin to discover the things that make Lake Catherine State Park so special. Park interpreters will be available to give brief programs, help start your explorer program, or answer…
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Pinecone Bird Feeders
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
From worms to seeds, fish to insects, birds have quite a menu! Join a park interpreter to learn what different birds eat and craft your own all-natural pinecone bird feeder to take home. Note: This…
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Songbird Symphony
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s diverse birds create a symphony of bird songs for our enjoyment! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn more about the birds in this symphony, quick tips for…
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Edible Insects (Visitor Center)
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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 the “I Ate A…
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Nature's Cleanup Crew: The Hidden World of Dung Beetles
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Explore the vital role dung beetles play at Lake Frierson State Park, helping to recycle nutrients and maintain healthy ecosystems. Learn how these fascinating creatures contribute to the park’s…
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Chunkey Champions
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Before the days of baseball, a different type of game dominated the United States. Join Park Interpreter Megan to learn about the indigenous game of Chunkey and then play the game for yourself. Do you…
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Owl Pellet Dissection: The Leftovers Lab
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Many meat-eating birds, like owls, have an interesting way of dealing with unwanted parts of their food. Join a park interpreter for a closer look at owl pellets, nature’s version of a mystery puzzle.…
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Possum Passel
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You've probably seen one squashed on the side of the road, and you might have even driven through the town of Possum Grape, but how much do you really know about these elusive creatures? Join a park…
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Learn about nature and see a new perspective on our nature scavenger hunt! Join a park interpreter for a guided 3/4-mile hike to complete this outdoor scavenger hunt. Please wear good shoes…
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Wealth in the Water
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Discover the fascinating world of White River pearling as the residents of Jacksonport experienced it at the turn of the 20th century. See the equipment used by divers and learn about the multitude of…
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Dutch Oven Cooking Series: Campfire Nachos
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Ready for some easy and delicious campfire nachos cooked in a Dutch oven? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for this Dutch oven dinner! We will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking in this…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 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 are required and can be made…
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Discovery Hike
Friday, September 12, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Slunger Creek Nature Trail to explore the sights and sounds Lake Catherine State Park has to offer. This stroll takes about 30 minutes and is about 3/4-mile long. Be…
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