
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
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Discovery Hike
Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 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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Checkpoint Challenge
Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Calling all nature detectives! Join a park interpreter for a mystery-solving navigation challenge. We will learn how to use a compass then find hidden clue checkpoints to solve a nature mystery. Can…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 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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The Colors of History
Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Before the invention of the synthetic dyes we use now, people used the plants, minerals, and sometimes the animals around them to color their clothes. Join a park interpreter to learn more about how…
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The Hidden Hunt
Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Nature has a secret hidden side, if you are willing to search for it. Meet a park interpreter to go on a scavenger hunt and investigate what you might miss at first glance. This program is great for…
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Opt Outside: Tunstall Trail Nature Hike
Friday, November 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Come on out to Jacksonport State Park on Green Friday and avoid the shopping
crowds! This is a perfect opportunity to walk off that Thanksgiving
dinner and enjoy nature at the same time. We will walk…
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Opt Outside: Tunstall Trail Nature Hike
Friday, November 28, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Come on out to Jacksonport State Park on Green Friday and avoid the shopping
crowds! This is a perfect opportunity to walk off that Thanksgiving
dinner and enjoy nature at the same time. We will walk…
Read more
Chunkey Champions
Friday, November 28, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Before the days of baseball, a different type of game dominated the United States. Join Park Interpreter Megan to learn about the indigenous game of Chunkey and then play the game for yourself. Do you…
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Watercolor Wonders
Friday, November 28, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Water is powerful! From shaping the landscape to shaping the activities we enjoy here, water has the power to shape life at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center…
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The S.S.S. Experience
Friday, November 28, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Village Creek State Park’s natural beauty sets the stage for us to enjoy the perfect camping combo: The S.S.S. Experience (Sunsets, S’mores, and Songs). Join a park interpreter outside the visitor…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Saturday, November 29, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 8:45 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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
Read more
Fall Colors Nature Hike
Saturday, November 29, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for this relaxing walk through the forest of Lake Poinsett State Park. Along the way, take in the beautiful colors and sounds of fall. Please wear tennis shoes or hiking boots…
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White River Hunters and Trappers
Saturday, November 29, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.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 Village Creek
Saturday, November 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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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Backyard Bass
Saturday, November 29, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Backyard Bass is the perfect game for beginning anglers of all ages. Join a park interpreter to learn more about fishing and practicing your casting skills while staying high and dry in this fun game!…
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Nature Journaling
Saturday, November 29, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Nature journaling isn't just about drawing! Join a park interpreter to learn a few different ways to nature journal and start your own journal about your time at Lake Poinsett State Park. Materials…
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Golf Cart Safari: Life on the Edge
Saturday, November 29, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
What is it like to live on Crowley's Ridge? Join the park interpreter on a golf cart safari to see how The Ridges golf course fits into the mission of Village Creek State Park and discover the animals…
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Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, November 29, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Are you up for the Scavenger Hunt Challenge? Join a park interpreter for a hike and game combined. Along the trail we’ll be on the lookout for many different items, animals, and colors found in…
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