
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Discovery Hike (Dogwood Trail)
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
The
Ouachita National Forest provides a protective zone for wildlife around the
lake. Meet a park interpreter at the Dogwood trailhead to take a guided 1/2-mile
hike and discover the…
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, October 15, 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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Earth Science Week: Gem and Mineral Exploration Station
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is home to more than just diamonds. This come-and-go program will feature many of the different types of rock and minerals that can be found around the search area.…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, October 16, 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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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
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Picture Perfect
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The protections of Village Creek State Park give us endless opportunities for picture perfect memories. Even though we can’t take pieces of the park home with us, a picture lasts forever! Meet a park…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, October 16, 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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Earth Science Week: Rock Cycle Game
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You've heard of the water cycle, but what about the rock cycle? Join us in the Diamond Discovery Classroom to learn about this amazing continuous process in a fun rock cycle game.
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Communit-trees Hike
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter on a 3/4-mile guided walk along the Daisy Creek Trail to learn more about Daisy State Park's tree community. Participants will discover some common Arkansas tree species and…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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