
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Nature Hike
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a fun and informative hike along the 1.1-mile Great Blue Heron Trail. We'll see what we can discover along the way.
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White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Step into the past of Jackson County and discover the economic power of King Cotton. This white gold was the economic backbone of the south during the 19th century and allowed the people of Jackson…
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Know Your State
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
How well do you know the history and folklore of Arkansas? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for this fun quiz game where teams will compete for prizes. All ages welcome!
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Sunset Lake Cruise
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Enjoy Lake Fort Smith's history, scenery, geology, wildlife, and possible waterfalls and sunset on this boating adventure! Meet Park Interpreter Mystina at the marina dock. Binoculars and life vests…
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Arboretum Trail Stroll
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 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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Astronomy Night with Sugar Creek Astronomical Society
Saturday, May 31, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
We will begin with an indoor program presented
by Dr. Clinton Willis, who will offer a different look at astronomy called
“Archeoastronomy.” He will discuss how ancient civilizations mixed both…
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, June 01, 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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T.R.A.I.L.S.
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Don’t leave home without it! Join a park interpreter to hike the
Big Ben Trail and discover the must-haves to remain safe and have fun on
trails. The Big Ben Trail is a
moderately strenuous 0.5-mile…
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Animal Mythbusters
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Can you really catch warts from a toad? Join Park Interpreter Mystina to “bust” the myths and misconceptions
about certain animals that we may have heard all our lives.
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Devil's Den Softball
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Everyone is invited to join the park interpreters for a game of Devil’s Den softball! Come be a part of this living legacy. We have gloves, bats, and balls, but we need you for a game!
Heart Healthy
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
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Mammals of Village Creek
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Leave No Trace Tabletop
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The
choices you make when you are outside make a big difference. The Leave No Trace principles are important for all ages, but especially for girls and boys who are just
beginning to experience…
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Safety With A Splash
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
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B.A.R.K. Ranger
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Calling all dog parents! Join the park interpreter in learning what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger on this PAWsome guided hike along the 1-mile Boundary Trail loop. Then, stick around to get your…
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You've Got Mail
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and journey back in time before the days of cell phones, e-mail, typewriters, and ink pens to learn how messages would have been written and sent in Davidsonville’s time. Make…
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Pioneer Play
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center so you can discover what pioneer kids did to pass the time while the exploration and progress of their parents forged the…
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Forest Bathing Walk at Van Winkle Hollow
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join presenter Lori Carter for a guided forest bathing
walk. Through a series of mindful invitations, you’ll be encouraged to notice,
feel, and be fully present with the world around you. There will…
Heart Healthy
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Spider Hider
Sunday, June 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What has eight legs and eats bugs? Discover some of the fascinating things spiders do. How they make their homes, find food, and even which ones are dangerous to us. Join a park interpreter in the…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, June 01, 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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