
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Birding Hike
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on a hike to look for some local feathered flyers. Discover fun facts about these park residents and weary travelers as we identify them. Bring water and binoculars if you have…
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Go Outside and Play!
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.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…
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Survival Shelter Building
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
What are the main things we need to survive a night out in the woods? Learn these and different shelter types that will work in different situations. Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State…
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White River Hunters and Trappers
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 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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Mammals of Lake Charles
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join the park interpreter to learn about some of the local furbearing residents that call the park home. You will have the opportunity to feel the furs of various mammals as we discuss their…
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Wealth in the Water
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.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…
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Possum Passel
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
You've probably seen one squashed on the side of the road, and you might have even driven through the town of Possum Grape, but how much do you really know about these elusive creatures? Join a park…
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Trick or Treat at Village Creek
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join Village Creek State Park and the Cross County Chamber of Commerce for Trick or Treat at Village Creek State Park. Local businesses will sponsor each campsite, providing decorations and candy for…
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Where the Rivers Meet
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
The confluence of the Black and White Rivers have shaped the past
and will shape the future of Jacksonport State Park and the surrounding area. Join
a park interpreter to
learn about "stewardship" and…
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Discovery Hike
Sunday, October 26, 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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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
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Color Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter to search for what colors can be found around Village Creek State Park. This program is great for kids of any age.
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, October 26, 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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Erosion in Motion
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Erosion has shaped past, present and future at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover the unique geology of the park and the stories erosion simultaneously preserves and…
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Autumn Arboretum Trail Stroll
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to take a relaxing autumn stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that paint the unique landscape of Village…
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Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Eagles and hawks are not the only raptors soaring overhead. Join a park interpreter to unlock the secrets of success which vultures have mastered. From eyesight and smell to teamwork and smarts,…
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White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Step into the past of Jackson County and discover the economic power of King Cotton. This white gold was the economic backbone of the south during the 19th century and allowed the people of Jackson…
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Sunset Kayak Cruise
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What better way to end the day than kayaking Lake Dunn at sunset? Join a park interpreter for a peaceful paddle tour around Lake Dunn where we will search for wildlife and discover who calls Village…
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Night Hike: Nocturnal Powers
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
The night is dark and full of wonder. Join a park interpreter for a nighttime hike on the Big Ben Trail and discover the amazing creatures that come out in the night. The Big Ben Trail is a moderately…
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