
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

The Story of the Jackson Guards
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Made up of the best young men of Jackson County, the Jackson Guards, Company G, left Jacksonport with great fanfare May 5th, 1861, the day before Arkansas seceded from the Union. Young and…
Read more
Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Birding Hike
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on a hike to look for some local feathered friends. Discover fun facts about these park residents and weary travelers as we identify them. Bring water and binoculars if you…
Read more
Tin Soldier Casting Demonstration
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tin is a metal that has been used for millennia for all kinds of items from plates and cups to jewelry and toys. Join a park interpreter to see how people 200 years ago would have melted down metal…
Read more
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,…
Read more
Animal Signs Hike
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Sometimes we don't see the animals that live at Lake Poinsett State Park because they're nocturnal or good at hiding. How else can we see signs of these critters at the park? Join a park interpreter…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Pearling and Shelling on the White River
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Discover the fascinating world of White River pearling as the residents of Jacksonport experienced it at the turn of the 20th century. See the equipment used by divers and learn about the multitude of…
Read more
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…
Read more
Safety With A Splash
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
Read more
Water Safety
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Dunn? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
Read more
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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
What's that strange thing in the bag? We often use our senses of smell, sight, and hearing to experience the outdoors, but what about our sense of touch? Join a park interpreter for this fun…
Read more
Kayak Tour
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the fishing pier next to the boat ramp (within the park) for a kayak tour (weather permitting). Your guide will discuss kayaking basics, and you will get to experience Lake…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Go Outside and Play!
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ball and cup, buzz saw, graces, and rolling hoops are just some of the toys that were used by pioneer children. Try your hand with these toys and learn about the life of a pioneer child. Even…
Read more
Dip Net Discovery
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
What tiny creatures are hiding in the waters of Lake Frierson? Join a park interpreter in this hands-on activity to discover and discuss the roles of Lake Frierson's macroinvertebrates. Wear clothes…
Read more
Tunstall's Racehorses and Steamboats
Saturday, July 05, 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.…
Read more
Fire Building 101
Saturday, July 05, 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…
Read more
Mammals of Village Creek
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 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!
Read more
Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about Village Creek State Park's history, listen to the stories behind the name of Ben, and acknowledge the power your actions have at our park. This is a 0.5-mile…
Heart Healthy
Read more
