
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Tree Detectives – A Plant and Tree ID Adventure
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Become a nature detective and learn how to identify trees using leaves, bark, and other clues! We’ll use a simple dichotomous key to explore the park’s trails and uncover the secrets of local trees…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
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Guess That Critter!
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
How much do you know, or think you know, about the critters that make Jacksonport State Park their home? From mammals to birds to reptiles, this is a chance to hone your cognitive skills with other…
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Sunset Kayak Tour
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake at sunset is from inside a kayak. Whether it be paddling along the shoreline or exploring quiet coves, the beauty of the lake is worth a look. Flatwater kayaks,…
Heart Healthy
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, July 13, 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
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, July 13, 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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Ready, Aim, Fire!
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.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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Old as a Tree
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you as old as a tree? Join a park interpreter to discover how to tell the age of a tree and what happened during its life. You will also have the opportunity to create your own…
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Water Safety
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Austell? 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…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, July 13, 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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To Sew A Fine Seam
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
How do you get new clothes on the Arkansas frontier when you can't just drive to the mall and buy them? You make your own, of course! Join a park interpreter to learn more about hand-sewing and…
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An Owl's Last Supper
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Owls are mysterious creatures flying in the night. Join the park interpreter to shed a little light on the mystery and discover what makes up an owl’s meal.
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Night Hike: Nocturnal Powers
Sunday, July 13, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
When we hike into the darkness, the powers of animals come into the light. Grab your flashlights and join the park interpreter for a night hike along the 0.5-mile Dogwood Lane Trail. Enjoy some games…
Heart Healthy
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Rockin' Art
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
There are so many ways of expressing yourself through art, but did you know American Indians also used art to express themselves? Join a park interpreter to learn how American Indians used art. Call…
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Rockin' Art
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
There are so many ways of expressing yourself through art, but did you know American Indians also used art to express themselves? Join a park interpreter to learn how American Indians used art. Call…
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Discovery Hour at Jacksonport
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the fun every Thursday at Jacksonport State Park! Park interpreters will help you explore and understand the history and nature of Jacksonport State Park through action-packed games, crafts,…
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Dream Weavers
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Like us, American Indians from this area might have wanted protection from bad dreams. Join the park interpreter to learn the stories of the old ways and weave a dream catcher to help with your own…
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Dream Weavers
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Like us, American Indians from this area might have wanted protection from bad dreams. Join the park interpreter to learn the stories of the old ways and weave a dream catcher to help with your own…
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Story and Craft: Butterflies
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursdays at 2 p.m., children are encouraged to visit the park for story and craft hour during the summer break from school. Join us as we tell Native American stories and make fun butterflies.
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Summer Snapshots
Friday, July 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Slow down and discover the small, meaningful moments along the trail. Join a guided hike where you’ll capture beauty, color, and fun through a seasonal photo challenge. Bring your camera or phone—and…
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