
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Arboretum Trail Stroll
Thursday, September 11, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a relaxing stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that make up the unique landscape of Village Creek State Park This is a…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, September 11, 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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The Storyteller's Bag
Thursday, September 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Native American stories unlock the secrets of the natural world! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to hear Native American stories and the secrets they tell us about life at Village Creek…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, September 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Jasper Bingo
Thursday, September 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the picnic area near the mine entrance to learn about one of the park's most useful minerals and see how many colors of jasper you can find! Regular admission to the diamond…
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Wildflower Bingo
Thursday, September 11, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Lake Catherine State Park is home to many stunning wildflowers! Meet Park Interpreter Jaden at the Nature Cabin to play this fun game and learn all about the beautiful flowers that grow here.
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Discovering Nature Journals
Thursday, September 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Preserve your memories and outdoor experiences at Village Creek State Park in a journal. Join a park interpreter to make your own journal and learn some outdoor journaling tips. All materials are…
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Butterflies vs. Moths
Thursday, September 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Butterfly or moth? What's the difference? Join Park Interpreter Jaden at the Nature Cabin to find out! Participants will have the opportunity to craft their very own butterfly or moth.
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Flora and Fauna Identification
Thursday, September 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Interested in learning more about the species of flowers, birds, fungi, and more here at Daisy State Park? Join us at the visitor center to discover how to identify the species at the park. We will…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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