
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
What Doesn't Belong?
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Plants and animals that live here in the park can be categorized into different groups. Join Park Interpreter Mystina to play a fun activity to see what belongs in certain groups and what…
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What's the Catch?
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Why do some fish prefer different bait than others? Meet a park interpreter to
discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world and find food. We will
make a paper fish…
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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Stroll into some intriguing history of early settlers on what is now Mount Magazine State Park. Guests will also see some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes from beautiful Cameron’s Bluff. This hike…
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Bat Myths and Misunderstandings
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Even today, there are many myths and misunderstandings about bats. Meet Park Interpreter Kara to set the record straight.
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Insect Orchestra
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Have you heard the music the insects here at Lake Dardanelle State Park make in the evenings? Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn more about how insects…
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Cast Away!
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
You can cast away your worries and reel in the fun at Lake Frierson State Park. Join the park interpreter to test out your casting skills, see what is in Lake Frierson, and reel in fun opportunities…
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Old as a Tree
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Are you as old as a tree? Join a park interpreter to discover how to tell the age of a tree and what happened during its life. You will also have the opportunity to create your own…
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Wealth in the Water
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discover the fascinating world of White River pearling as the residents of Jacksonport experienced it at the turn of the 20th century. See the equipment used by divers and learn about the multitude of…
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Great American Camper Quiz (Dardanelle Area)
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter at the Dardanelle Area in the grassy area near the playground to see how in tune you are with the natural world. We’ll be testing your skills about furs, tracks, and…
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Devil's Den Softball
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join the park interpreters for softball. Come be a part of this living legacy! We have gloves, bats, and balls, but we need you for a game! Meet at the ball field in Camp Area…
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Arkansas, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources you might…
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Focus on Fish
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Why does Lake Dardanelle have such a healthy bass population? The health of this fishery is partially due to the good conservation practices of the staff at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Join a park…
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Guess That Critter!
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 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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Become a State Park Junior Ranger
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the Junior Ranger
Program, a program intended for kids aged 6-14 to connect with Arkansas State
Parks and our resources. Start your journey to become an official…
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Life of a Firefly
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Fireflies light up our forests on summer nights, their lights serving as an intriguing form of communication. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn the secrets of these glowing beetles.…
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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, June 06, 2025
/ 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 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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Knot Knowing is Half the Fun
Saturday, June 07, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Want to know how you can make good connections while fishing at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join a park interpreter for a hands-on knot tying
demonstration where you will discover how to make…
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Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 07, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Find out what fish are swimming in Lake Fort Smith! All ages can enjoy the free fishing weekend in Arkansas and Lake Fort Smith State Park without fishing licenses. Regulations for Arkansas waters…
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Fishing 101 Workshop
Saturday, June 07, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
It’s Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend and no
permits are required. Both kids and adults are welcome to join our park interpreters
and spend the morning fishing along the banks of Beaver Lake in this…
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T.R.A.I.L.S.
Saturday, June 07, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 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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