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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Hunter Education
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | Sunday, September 21, 2025
In order to purchase a hunting license in Arkansas anyone who was born after December 31, 1968, must complete Hunter Education. This is a 10-hour course that will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on…
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Kayak Birding Adventure
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
In this tour of the lake, you can discover many different species of birds making pit-stops along their migratory journey, as well as the conservational importance of protected lakes such as this.…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Sunday, September 21, 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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Morning Kayak Tour
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the marina to explore Lake Catherine and all it has to offer during this peaceful paddle across the water. Participants must be at least 13 years or older to paddle solo.…
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Guided Hike: Remembering Big Ben
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Names hold power! Join a park interpreter as we hike the Big Ben Trail to learn about Village Creek State Park's history and the stories behind the name of Ben. The Big Ben Trail is a 0.5-mile…
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Morning Kayak Tour
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
No previous paddling experience is necessary. Hands down, one of the best ways to enjoy the morning on DeGray Lake is paddling along the shoreline, exploring quiet coves Sign up early…
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Micro Hike
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Have you ever imagined the world from the perspective of a bug? Join a park interpreter as we slow down and observe the smaller elements in the landscape – you never know what you might find! This…
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Nature Bingo
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
It’s easy to overlook the wonders around us when we’re focused on the trail ahead. Join a park interpreter for a 1-mile hike along the Spring Trail paired with a fun game of Nature Bingo that will…
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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, September 21, 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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Ready, Aim, Fire!
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.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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Discovery Hike
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an easy hike down the Pale Wood Trail where we will discover what nature has in store. Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, and your nature questions! Closed-toe…
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Fish Name Game
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Want to brush up on your fish identification skills? Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to play the Fish Name Game. We will learn what features can help you identify different fish,…
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Flora and Fauna Identification
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Bear Necessities
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 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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Nature Cabin
Sunday, September 21, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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Knot Knowledge
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Whether you are setting up a camp shelter, tying up your boat, or preparing a fishing lure, knowing how to tie knots is important. Come by to learn a few that will meet your needs during a weekend at…
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Erosion in Motion
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Erosion has shaped past, present and future at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover the unique geology of the park and the stories erosion simultaneously preserves and…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a special 2-hour open self-guided tour of the 1872 Courthouse Museum! Learn how Jacksonport became the county seat, what the building was used for after the county seat…
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 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 can be made beginning…
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