
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Scales, Tails and Survival Tools
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join us to discover how snakes survive without legs! Learn about their amazing adaptations, then build your own custom snake designed for life in the wild. Fun, hands-on, and perfect for children ages…
Read more
Nature Jeopardy
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 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…
Read more
Firebuilding 101
Friday, October 24, 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…
Read more
Fire Building Basics
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
What’s a camping trip without a campfire? From making s’mores to sharing campfire stories, sitting around a campfire can spark lifelong memories. Join a park interpreter to learn…
Read more
The Guides Above Us
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 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…
Read more
Birding Hike
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 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…
Read more
Go Outside and Play!
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ball and cup, buzz saw, graces, and rolling hoops are just some of the toys that were used by pioneer children. Try your hand with these toys and learn about the life of a pioneer child. Even…
Read more
Survival Shelter Building
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
What are the main things we need to survive a night out in the woods? Learn these and different shelter types that will work in different situations. Join a park interpreter at Lake Poinsett State…
Read more
White River Hunters and Trappers
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 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…
Read more
Mammals of Lake Charles
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join the park interpreter to learn about some of the local furbearing residents that call the park home. You will have the opportunity to feel the furs of various mammals as we discuss their…
Read more
Wealth in the Water
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.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…
Read more
Trick or Treat at Village Creek
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join Village Creek State Park and the Cross County Chamber of Commerce for Trick or Treat at Village Creek State Park. Local businesses will sponsor each campsite, providing decorations and candy for…
Read more
Possum Passel
Saturday, October 25, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
You've probably seen one squashed on the side of the road, and you might have even driven through the town of Possum Grape, but how much do you really know about these elusive creatures? Join a park…
Read more
Where the Rivers Meet
Sunday, October 26, 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…
Read more
Discovery Hike
Sunday, October 26, 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…
Read more
Big Ben Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12:30 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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Color Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Discover nature’s colorful side! Meet a park interpreter to search for what colors can be found around Village Creek State Park. This program is great for kids of any age.
Read more
Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, October 26, 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…
Read more
Erosion in Motion
Sunday, October 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Erosion has shaped past, present and future at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover the unique geology of the park and the stories erosion simultaneously preserves and…
Read more