
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Origami Folding: Forest Friends
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Ready to try your hand at folding origami animals? Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to learn about the native wildlife around Village Creek State Park that call the forest home.…
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Kayak Cruise: Watershed Wonders
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 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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Safety With A Splash
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 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.
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Talk Like A Sailor 101
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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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Kayak Test Drive
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Have you ever kayaked, or are you a complete beginner? No problem! Join a park interpreter for this hands-on kayak test drive! Learn the basics of paddling and then try it yourself. No previous…
Heart Healthy
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Water Safety
Saturday, August 23, 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…
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Flow and Fly: Introduction to Fly Fishing
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Fly fishing is more than a way to catch fish—it’s a peaceful, skillful dance with nature. During this beginner-friendly program, you’ll learn the basics of casting, gear setup, and how to “match the…
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Where the Rivers Meet
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.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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Greeting Card and Print Making Workshop
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Want to add personal touch to the next card you give or handcraft a present for somebody special? Join a park interpreter for a workshop where you will use natural items to press and create your own…
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Guess That Critter!
Saturday, August 23, 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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Paracord Skills with Hike
Saturday, August 23, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
What if you were lost in the wilderness without food, water, or shelter? What if you always had a tool on hand to help you? Paracord can be the answer and is an invaluable tool in any outdoor person's…
Heart Healthy
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Cast Iron Connections: Cooking with a Dutch Oven
Sunday, August 24, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Gather around the fire for a hands-on cooking experience using a traditional Dutch oven. Participants will explore the history of cast iron cooking, learn basic techniques, and help prepare a tasty…
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Nature Hike
Sunday, August 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a fun and informative hike along the 1.1-mile Great Blue Heron Trail. We'll see what we can discover along the way.
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, August 24, 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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Geocaching 101
Sunday, August 24, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
A state-wide treasure hunt? Count me in! Join a park interpreter to learn the basics of geocaching and then embark on a journey to find a hidden cache in the park. Our treasure hunt will take us on a…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, August 24, 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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Water Safety
Sunday, August 24, 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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Inching Along Big Ben Hike
Thursday, August 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Little things at Village Creek State Park can lead you on big adventures! Join a park interpreter to hunt for natural objects one inch or smaller in size as we hike along the 0.5-mile Big Ben Trail…
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Secrets of the Forest: Scavenger Hunt
Friday, August 29, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for a guided scavenger hunt at Lake Frierson State Park to explore the forest’s hidden secrets. Use clues to uncover how plants, animals, and the environment all work together to create a…
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KNOT-thing to Worry About
Friday, August 29, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Struggling to keep tackle on your fishing pole? Fret knot! Join a park interpreter as we practice tying knots that are sure to amp up your outdoor survival skills.
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