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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Nature Encounters
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many recreational opportunities for us to enjoy. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room for this program designed to give visitors the chance to…
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 29, 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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Pioneer Play
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center, you will discover what pioneer kids did to pass the time while the exploration and progress of their parents forged the…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 30, 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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Color Walk
Thursday, October 30, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The great outdoors is filled with many colorful things. Thanks to Lake Dardanelle’s diverse habitats, you can discover just how bright and colorful the world around you is. Join a park interpreter at…
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Magnification Station
Thursday, October 30, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The natural world is filled with little details that we often overlook. Come by the park interpreter’s magnification station at the visitor center to use microscopes to get an up-close look at some…
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Finding Footprints Bingo
Thursday, October 30, 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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Call of the Wild
Thursday, October 30, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Some animal calls are very familiar while others are rather vague and when they all mix, it can be difficult to pick them out. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center…
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Lake Cruise
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 31, 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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Autumn Arboretum Trail Stroll
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to take a relaxing autumn stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that paint the unique landscape of Village…
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Campground Wildlife Look & Learn Table
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The diverse habitats in and around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities to spot wildlife. The wildlife you encounter while camping may even be one of the most memorable parts of your…
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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 31, 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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Spider Hider
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What has eight legs and eats bugs? Discover some of the fascinating things spiders do. Learn how they make their homes, find food, and even which ones are dangerous to us. Join a park interpreter in…
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, October 31, 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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Sunset Kayak Cruise
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What better way to end the day than kayaking Lake Dunn at sunset? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful paddle tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village…
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Night Hike: Nocturnal Powers
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
The night is dark and full of wonder. Join a park interpreter for a nighttime hike on the Big Ben Trail and discover the amazing creatures that come out in the night. The Big Ben Trail is a moderately…
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The Moth Stop
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
When the sun sets, Mount Magazine State Park comes alive with fluttering wings! Join a park interpreter at a glowing moth cloth to meet the hidden pollinators of the night and discover their…
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