
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Nighttime Critters Night Hike
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Most of the critters living at Lake Poinsett State Park are nocturnal and only come out at night. Join a park interpreter to discuss these nighttime critter calls, behaviors, and how to spot them…
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Trail of Tears Guided Hike
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the
history of the Old Military Road Trail, which includes hiking along Arkansas’
most intact section of the Trail of Tears. This is a 1.5-mile moderate hike.…
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Nature Jeopardy
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.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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Monarch Migration Station
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
How do monarchs manage to migrate over 3,000 miles? What challenges do they face on their journey? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park to learn about the challenges monarchs face…
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Become a State Park Explorer
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 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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In Search of the White River Monster
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike along the beach and learn about the history of White River Monster sightings while watching for items that may have been mistaken for this mythical monster in the…
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Who Flooded the Lake?
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
What is pollution? How does it affect our waterways? Join a park interpreter for an interactive demo of what can happen when we dump things into waterways and lakes. How can we keep the fish in Lake…
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The Colors of History
Saturday, November 22, 2025 - Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 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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Talk Like A Sailor 101
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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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Dixie's Home Front
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
With their fathers, brothers, and husbands gone off to fight in the Civil War, Southern women had to do not only their own housework, but learn to take on the jobs of their male relatives, too! Join a…
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Firebuilding 101
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
What are the three essential things a fire needs to thrive? Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State Park and learn about fire building and safety. We might even have a few campfire stories to…
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The Guides Above Us
Saturday, November 22, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
In the dark skies of Village Creek State Park, you find eternal guides. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to hear stories about the guides in the sky, lessons these guides have taught…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, November 23, 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 can have here. This is a 0.5-mile…
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Discovery Hike
Sunday, November 23, 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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Checkpoint Challenge
Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 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
/ 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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The Hidden Hunt
Sunday, November 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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
/ 10 a.m. - 11 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
/ 2 p.m. - 3 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…
Heart Healthy
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Chunkey Champions
Friday, November 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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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