
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Lake Cruise
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 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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Devil's Den Softball
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Everyone is invited to join the park interpreters for a game of Devil’s Den softball! Come be a part of this living legacy. We have gloves, bats, and balls, but we need you for a game!
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Monday, May 26, 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,…
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The Hidden Hunt
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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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Historic Townsite Tour
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Come to Davidsonville Historic State Park to walk the historic townsite with a park interpreter, see the ghost structures, and hear stories of the people who lived at Davidsonville. This tour is…
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Cherokee Games
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Have you ever wondered about the daily lives of the Cherokee who inhabited this area before the Trail of Tears, long before it was a park? Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the…
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Slithering for Smiles
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Do snakes smile? Join the park interpreter to learn more about the snakes of Lake Frierson State Park and how the slithering work of snakes in the park is not scary, but something to make you smile.
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Kayak Cruise: Watershed Wonders
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join the park interpreter on kayak to explore Lake Frierson. Discover the lake's history as a watershed and the opportunities watersheds provide. We all live in a watershed. We play in it, our homes…
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Catch of the Day
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Thanks to the healthy fishery of Lake Dardanelle, you can experience the thrill of nature and the success of the catch. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center…
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What's the Catch?
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while uncovering the secret…
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Sensory Grab Bag
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Can you identify
items in nature? Join Park Interpreter Kara to discover just how well you may
know nature by using just your sense of touch!
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Smelly Skunks
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Why do skunks smell bad to some people? What
is the reason they spray? Learn the answers to these questions and more by
joining Park Interpreter Kara as we discuss one smelly animal, the…
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Reptilian Riddles
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Many creatures call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Many of these amazing creatures are reptiles. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover some of the things that…
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ADA Hike on the Van Winkle Trail
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Why is there a state park
here? Join a park interpreter for a story-telling adventure about how this place
came to be Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Discover one of the most
influential spots in…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, May 27, 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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Hiking with Nature Sense
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to put your sense of sight, touch, smell, and hearing to the test as you explore some of the natural wonders of Lake Fort Smith State Park. Meet at the Warren…
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Beaver Lake Kayak Tour
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Spend a few hours paddling on Beaver Lake with a
park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking and enjoy the spring scenery on
the lake, weather permitting. All equipment is provided. Space is…
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Kick and Pick
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Remember when you used to go craw-daddin’? Meet a park interpreter to take a short walk to the water of Lee Creek to see what tiny, aquatic living
things live under the rocks in the water. Please…
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Adventure in the Ozarks
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to explore an Ozark mountain trail and take in your surroundings. We will search for and discover more about the native Ozark plants, animals, and…
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A Life Source's Transformation
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lake Fort Smith is a life source that has transformed over the years. Each transformation brought life and challenges to the wildlife and people of the area. Join Park Interpreter Mystina to…
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