
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Birding Basics
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a 3/4-mile stroll on the Daisy Creek Trail to learn the basics of
birding and begin your birding checklist today! This morning walk will be calm and relaxing while we learn…
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Inching Along Big Ben Hike
Thursday, September 25, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Little things at Village Creek State Park can lead you on big adventures! Join a park interpreter to hunt for natural objects one inch or smaller in size as we hike along the 0.5-mile Big Ben Trail…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Thursday, September 25, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Mammals of Village Creek
Thursday, September 25, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age!
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, September 25, 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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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Friday, September 26, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, September 26, 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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Keep Arkansas Beautiful
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us at Millwood State Park for the Great Arkansas Cleanup. The park will be conducting litter control along our Waterfowl Way Trail (1.5 miles) and the lake shoreline. Contact the park for more…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, September 26, 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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Birding 101
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
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Guess That Critter!
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
How much do you know, or think you know, about the critters that make Jacksonport State Park their home? From mammals to birds to reptiles, this is a chance to hone your cognitive skills with other…
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Bug Builders: Insect Collecting and Pinning
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Get up close with the tiny world of insects! In this hands-on program, young naturalists will learn how to safely collect, observe, and preserve real insects found right here in the park. We’ll…
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Songbird Symphony
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 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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Where the Rivers Meet
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
The confluence of the Black and White Rivers have shaped the past
and will shape the future of Jacksonport State Park and the surrounding area. Join
a park interpreter to
learn about "stewardship" and…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 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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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Most of the critters living at Lake Poinsett State Park are nocturnal and only come out at night. Join a park interpreter to discuss these nighttime critter calls, behaviors, and how to spot them…
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Fired Up for New Memories
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Great memories begin with a spark. Make new memories as you join a park interpreter to learn both traditional and creative ways of starting a campfire. Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather…
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Campfire Trivia
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 7:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter around the campfire for several rounds of trivia and marshmallow roasting. Bring your nature questions! Marshmallows and roasting sticks are provided on a first-come,…
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Owl Prowl: Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, September 26, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
When we peek into the darkness, the superpowers of nocturnal animals come into the light! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about Village Creek State Park’s diverse owls and the…
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