
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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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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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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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Birding 101
Saturday, November 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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Ancient Jewelry
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the park interpreter and discover different types of jewelry the Mississippians wore, where the raw material came from, and methods used to make jewelry. Make your own animal bone…
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Discovery Hike
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 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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Where the Rivers Meet
Saturday, November 01, 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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What's the Catch?
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while uncovering the secret…
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Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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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Mammal Furs
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mammals are found all over Arkansas and come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Join a park interpreter to learn about some of these unique creatures and the roles they play in our world.
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Mr. Whitney’s Cotton Gin
Saturday, November 01, 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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Ancient Jewelry
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join the park interpreter and discover different types of jewelry the Mississippians wore, where the raw material came from, and methods used to make jewelry. Make your own animal bone…
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White River Hunters and Trappers
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 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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Fired Up for Making Memories
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The best Arkansas State Park memories start with a good campfire. Join a park interpreter for fire building tips and tricks, then hang around to enjoy s'mores and campfire stories. Please bring water…
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Nature Jeopardy
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 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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Autumn Stargazing
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this relaxing look up at the autumn night sky. Try and spot some constellations, shooting stars, satellites, and more. Bring a flashlight, a chair if you'd like, and dress…
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Early Birder Hike
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
It's early, but the birds are already up. Join a park interpreter for this leisurely hike down the Great Blue Heron Trail to try and spot some local birds and other wildlife. Bring binoculars if you…
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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
As you walk the Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Military…
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Wealth in the Water
Sunday, November 02, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.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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