
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.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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Corn Husk Figurines
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Exploration, opportunity, and progress forged the culture that you find here today. Join a park interpreter in the Lakeview Room of the visitor center to learn about an early toy that was made by the…
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Eagle Tour
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is proud to offer free winter lake cruises for the best chance of seeing our national symbol, the American bald eagle (weather permitting). Many other spectacular birds will…
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Discovery Hike
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.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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Ancient Jewelry
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the park interpreter and discover different types of jewelry the Mississippians wore, where the raw material came from, and methods used to make jewelry. Make your own animal bone…
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Cherokee Clay Creations: Make a Pinch Pot
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Before Arkansas became a state, Cherokee families in this region crafted pottery by hand using local clay. Join a park interpreter to learn about this tradition and make your own small clay vessel to…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
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Mammal Furs
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mammals are found all over Arkansas and come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Join a park interpreter to learn about some of these unique creatures and the roles they play in our world.
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Mr. Whitney’s Cotton Gin
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cotton plants grow fluffy white bolls, but you can’t just pick them and turn them into cloth. Join a park interpreter to learn how one important machine built an entire industry in the past…
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Osage Ribbonwork
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Ribbonwork is a vibrant and meaningful tradition in Osage culture, used to decorate clothing and express identity. Join a park interpreter to discover the history and symbolism behind Osage…
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Ancient Jewelry
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join the park interpreter and discover different types of jewelry the Mississippians wore, where the raw material came from, and methods used to make jewelry. Make your own animal bone…
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Wetland Safari
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitat is home to a wide variety of creatures. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to explore some of the players in this vital ecosystem.
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Choctaw Beadwork
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Beadwork has long been a meaningful form of cultural expression for the Choctaw people. Join a park interpreter to explore traditional designs, learn about the history and symbolism behind them, and…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The diverse habitats around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities for discovery and exploration. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to find out…
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Moonlight Kayak Tour
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake under the moonlight while
guided by a park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking, see what’s visible
in the night sky, weather permitting, and enjoy the…
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Nightshift Hike
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
When the sun goes down, the forest wakes up in a whole new way at Mount Magazine State Park. Join a park interpreter on a guided night hike to meet the wild creatures who rule the dark, from stealthy…
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Autumn Stargazing
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this relaxing look up at the autumn night sky. Try and spot some constellations, shooting stars, satellites, and more. Bring a flashlight, a chair if you'd like, and dress…
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, November 02, 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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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, November 02, 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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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, November 04, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
Read more