
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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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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…
Heart Healthy
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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Pioneer Cemetery: A Lasting Legacy
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Tucked away on Rich Mountain lies the final resting place of the area’s earliest settlers. Join a park interpreter at the Pioneer Cemetery to uncover stories of life on the mountain in the 1860s and…
Heart Healthy
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Critter Feeding
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles and more!
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Fishing Fun
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fishing is a great way to enjoy your day here at Daisy State Park! Join a park interpreter as we discuss what fish you are most likely to catch here in Lake Greeson. Kids are welcome to try "paperclip…
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Arboretum Trail Stroll
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.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…
Heart Healthy
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Diamond Mining 101
Monday, September 22, 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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