
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Golf Cart Safari: Life on the Ridge
Saturday, August 30, 2025
/ 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 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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Birding Hike
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 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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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, August 31, 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…
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Go Outside and Play!
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Children in historic Davidsonville did not have the same toys we have today, but the fun they had was timeless! Join a park interpreter during this come-and-go program to play the Game of Graces, Buzz…
Heart Healthy
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Backyard Bass
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.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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Discovery Hike
Sunday, August 31, 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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Discovering Nature Journals
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Preserve your memories and outdoor experiences at Village Creek State Park in a journal. Join a park interpreter to make your own journal and learn some outdoor journaling tips. All materials are…
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Scatologist Training
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join us for "The Scoop on Poop!" and become a scatologist at Lake Frierson State Park! Explore the fascinating world of animal scat and learn how studying it can reveal what animals eat, where they…
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Nature Jeopardy
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Here is a chance for you and your family to be in the “hot seat!” Bring your whole family to this fun game and challenge your brain on every aspect of the nature of Arkansas. Meet a park interpreter…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, August 31, 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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Mr. Whitney’s Cotton Gin
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Cotton plants grow fluffy white bolls, but you can’t just pick them and turn them into cloth. Join a park interpreter to learn how one important machine built an entire industry in the past…
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Water Safety
Sunday, August 31, 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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Where the Water Goes
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Every drop of water has a journey—and so does every action we take on land. In this interactive program, participants will explore what a watershed is, how Lake Frierson fits into a larger water…
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Become a State Park Explorer
Sunday, August 31, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the State Park Explorer Program, intended for kids aged 6-14 to connect with Arkansas State Parks and our resources. Start your journey to become an…
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White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Sunday, August 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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Birding 101
Monday, September 01, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn the basics of birding then
put your new skills to the test. We will look and listen for birds during a 0.5-mile walk on the Arboretum Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, bring…
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Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Monday, September 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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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Historic Townsite Tour
Monday, September 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Come to Davidsonville Historic State Park to walk the historic townsite with a park interpreter, see the ghost structures, and hear stories of the people who lived at Davidsonville. This tour is…
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Mammals of Village Creek
Monday, September 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 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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White River Hunters and Trappers
Monday, September 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 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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