
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Let's Go Birding!
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Lake Fort Smith State Park is home to many kinds of birds from vultures to warblers. Meet Park Interpreter Mystina to go on a birding stroll to look for the many birds in the park. Binoculars are…
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, July 04, 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,…
Heart Healthy
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Grab-bag Adventures
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Are you brave enough to stick your hand into the unknown depths of the nature grab bag and try to guess what's inside? Meet the park interpreter for this hilarious audience participation adventure…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
The diverse habitats around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities for discovery and exploration. Meet a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to find out what is in…
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Nature Encounters
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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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Disney Animals
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Did you know some of the animals seen in Disney's animated movies can be found at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join Park Interpreter Mystina to find out which of your favorite Disney animals live here…
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Apex Excitement: Bears and Baldies
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
At Magazine Mountain State Park, becoming acquainted with black bears makes one much more familiar with bald eagles, (and vice versa), and delivers nothing less than apex excitement! …
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Bug Bonanza
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter on a buggy scavenger hunt around Lake Frierson State Park. Discover where bugs hide, how they help the forest, and why they’re more awesome than you think! This hands-on…
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, July 04, 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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Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, July 04, 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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Lake Kayaking Excursion
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Kayaking the coves of Lake Dardanelle gives you the opportunity to get closer view of birds and wildlife you may not have had before, all from the safety of your boat. Join a park interpreter for a…
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Music to Your Ears: A Ukulele Highpoint Hike
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Perseverance of life at Mount Magazine State Park should be music to your ears! Let a park interpreter share some original ukulele songs on the way up to Arkansas' highpoint that highlight…
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State Park Explorers: Discover, Protect, and Connect
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the park interpreter on a fun-filled adventure to become a State Park Explorer! This interactive program is designed for kids ages 6–14 to explore what state parks are, learn how to stay safe,…
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Mr. Whitney’s Cotton Gin
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 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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Animal Myths
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Many myths and misconceptions surround our local wildlife. Are you really as blind as a bat? Do you take advice from a groundhog that predicts seasons? Do you still think that wart came from a frog or…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, July 05, 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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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 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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Kayak Fishing
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Combine two of Lake Frierson State Park's most popular activities into one grand adventure! Join the park interpreter and cast your line out from a kayak to discover Arkansas sportfish species in…
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In-Seine Adventure
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many opportunities for enjoyment as it journeys through Lake Dardanelle. What all lives in the Lake besides fish and turtles? Well, here is your chance to find out. We will…
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