
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Join Park Interpreter Carrie at the Slunger Creek Nature Trail to explore the wonderful wildflowers of the Ouachita Mountains. This stroll will take about 45 minutes and is about ¾-mile long. Be…
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Nature Bingo
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
We often spend so much time focusing on the ground in front of us that we don't notice the amazing things just out of our view. Join a park interpreter for a 1.5-mile hike along the Spring Trail and…
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Sunset Kayak Tour
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join the park superintendent for one of the most beautiful views of Lake Greeson and the Ouachita Mountains at sunset by kayak. Bring clothing and shoes that can get wet. Kayaks are limited for…
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Discovery Hike
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.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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Stand Up Paddleboarding 101
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Stand up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing recreational sports around. Arkansas is a natural fit for the sport with an abundance of clean, clear lakes and rivers around the state. Join a…
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Trial by Jury
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Put yourself in the place where history happened at Powhatan and join us for a Trial by Jury. You’ll become the judge, part of the jury, a lawyer, or maybe even the accused as we bring…
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Queen Wilhelmina State Park Jenga
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
How much do you know about the plants, wildlife, and history of Rich Mountain? Meet in the hearth room to find out by playing a game of Jenga with a twist!
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Sunset Cruise
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 7:15 p.m. - 8:15 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 noon the…
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Guided Night Bat Hike
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
When
the sun sets, the night life at Daisy State Park begins! Join Park
Superintendent Nathan on an exciting nighttime hike about the history of bats
here at Daisy State Park. This guided hike along…
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Lightning Bug Lingo
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 8:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Have you ever seen glowing bugs at Lake Catherine State Park? Join Park Interpreter Carrie to learn a bit about lightning bugs, how they communicate, and maybe even see a few. This program will last…
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Golf Course Safari
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tonight, we’ll take a caravan of golf carts out in search of nocturnal animals. Be sure to bring a flashlight! Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations can be made beginning noon…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Sunday, May 18, 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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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
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Geocaching Island Hopper
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 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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The Mystery of the Tracks
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Many wild animals roam the park when we aren’t looking, leaving only tracks as evidence. Join the park interpreter to find out more about these wild footprints and uncover the mystery of the tracks.
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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, May 18, 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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Morning Lake Tour
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Begin your day with a peaceful cruise on Lake Ouachita! Bring a warm drink as a park interpreter will serve as your guide while you admire the scenery, wildlife, and stories of Lake Ouachita.…
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Wonder House Tour
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
What is the Wonder House? It’s not only a place, but also an experience. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Wonder House takes us back in time almost 100 years.…
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Bug Bonanza
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join a park interpreter on a buggy scavenger hunt around Lake Frierson State Park. Discover where bugs hide, how they help the forest, and why they’re more awesome than you think! This hands-on…
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