
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Find Your Way With a Map!
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Do you know how to use a map and compass? If you were lost without cell phone signal, could you find your way back to a road? Join a park interpreter for an introduction into wayfinding skills with…
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The Storyteller's Bag
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Native American stories unlock the secrets of the natural world! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to hear Native American stories and the secrets they tell us about life at Village Creek…
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Hike the Rainbow
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
You can discover a rainbow of colors at Lake Frierson State Park! Join the park interpreter on a color quest along the Dogwood Lane Trail (easy difficulty, 0.5-miles). Please wear tennis shoes or…
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Talk Like A Sailor 101
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered where some of the phrases we use came from? Surprisingly, many originated from steamboat lingo. Join a park interpreter and learn how these phrases may or may not have changed…
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Frog Talk – Who’s Making That Noise?
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What’s that sound by the lake? Join a fun, hands-on program to meet the frogs of Lake Frierson State Park! Learn to identify local frogs by their calls, then use everyday items to mimic the sounds…
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Nature Connections Stroll
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to connect with nature on the Arboretum Trail. We will use our senses to explore what makes Village Creek State Park Special, all while capturing our discoveries on paper. This…
Heart Healthy
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Build a Bee Hotel
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
How many bees can you name? There are so many more bees than honeybees and bumblebees, and most of them are solitary bees. They need homes and temporary "hotels" to stay at on their journeys to…
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Necklace Craft
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Come and make your own beaded necklace and learn the story of a tiny bead that tells a big story. All materials will be provided.
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White River Hunters and Trappers
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Hunting and trapping served an important role on the White River and contributed to Jacksonport's economy. Join a park interpreter to learn what animals were hunted and trapped in this area. Learn…
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Our "Boxy" Friends
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Do you know who your friends are that live in a “box," it is box turtles! Join a park interpreter to learn more about our “boxy” friends, and what to do if you come across one.
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There's Something Fishy Going On
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join us to explore the anatomy of fish and the unique species found in Lake Frierson. Learn about where these fish live, how their features help them survive, and discover the diverse aquatic world…
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Mammals of Village Creek
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a bobcat? Meet a park interpreter to learn about our native mammals and feel their furs. This program is great for any age!
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Fire Building 101
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What are the three essential things a fire needs to thrive? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park and learn about fire building and safety. We might even have a few campfire stories to…
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Tunstall's Racehorses and Steamboats
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Thomas Todd Tunstall was the founder of Jacksonport and a fascinating man. He made, lost, and made again several small fortunes throughout his life from his two passions, racehorses and steamboats.…
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Star Party
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Join us for a night sky presentation by the Memphis Astronomical Society. Afterwards, we will move outside to view night sky objects through telescopes. If there is overcast or…
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Kayak Birding Adventure
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
In this tour of the lake, you can discover many different species of birds making pit-stops along their migratory journey, as well as the conservational importance of protected lakes such as this.…
Heart Healthy
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Guided Hike: Remembering Big Ben
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Names hold power! Join a park interpreter as we hike the Big Ben Trail to learn about Village Creek State Park's history and the stories behind the name of Ben. The Big Ben Trail is a 0.5-mile…
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Ready, Aim, Fire!
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cannons are an iconic part of the Civil War battlefield. Join a park interpreter to learn more about these explosive weapons of war, and go through the same drill soldiers would have learned in order…
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Discovery Hike
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 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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Fish Name Game
Sunday, September 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Want to brush up on your fish identification skills? Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to play the Fish Name Game. We will learn what features can help you identify different fish,…
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