
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
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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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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…
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Afternoon Kayak Tour
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and spend the afternoon exploring beautiful Beaver Lake while learning the basics of kayaking. Meet at the visitor center and then caravan
to the launch site. All equipment is…
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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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Finding Footprints Bingo
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ever wonder who’s wandering through the woods when you’re not looking? Join a park interpreter to learn about Mount Magazine State Park’s wildlife by identifying their tracks and uncovering their…
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Under Construction
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures, including animal architects. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the…
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Watercolor by the Water's Edge
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a creek side painting session where water meets color! Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, this program is for all skill levels.…
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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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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Stroll with a park interpreter into some intriguing history of early settlers on Mount Magazine State Park. Guests will also see some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes from Cameron’s…
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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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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.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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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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Knot Knowing is Half the Fun
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.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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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Cameron Bluff Overlook learn how to help Mount Magazine State Park identify and count broad-winged hawks! Participants could
potentially view broad-winged…
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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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Meet a Critter
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where a park interpreter has a critter for you to meet up close!
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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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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, October 17, 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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