
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Hiking Skills: Map and Compass
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hands-on demonstration and exercise of using a map and compass. This program will allow you the opportunity to properly utilize a topographic map for better preparedness…
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Nature Field Guides
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Have you ever found a leaf that you didn't recognize? Or couldn't tell if the tracks you found belonged to a skunk, opossum, or raccoon? Join a park interpreter to make your own nature field guide for…
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Mysterious Forest Objects Tabletop
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Look at some mysterious objects found in
the forest around Hobbs, see if you can identify them, then learn more about
them. A 15-minute program begins every half hour. Come and go as you
please.
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Light It Up
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The power of the Arkansas River lights up your world and life in the river valley every day. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the Arkansas River…
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Bird Nest Builders
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Birds ranging in size from the large Bald Eagle all the way to the tiny sparrows make their homes at Mississippi River State Park. Have you ever wondered if these different kinds of birds make…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
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In-Seine Adventure
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many opportunities for enjoyment as it journeys through Lake Dardanelle. What all lives in the lake besides fish and turtles? Well, here is your chance to find out. We will…
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Critter Quest on the Monument Trail
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a quick adventure into nature’s hidden corners. We’ll search high and low - peeking under rocks, check trees, and explore the forest floor to uncover tiny creatures like…
Heart Healthy
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History of Hobbs Tabletop
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn more about the
history that took place here, including the establishment of this state park,
and the interesting people that made history happen! A 15-minute program…
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Historic Plant Use
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
In the 1800s people depended on native plants to provide a wide variety of food, medicine, tools and other necessities. Many of these plants are still found on Crowley's Ridge today. Join a park…
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Icky, Sticky Spider Webs
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ever wondered why some spider webs look like wheels while others resemble tangled threads? Join a park interpreter and discover the fascinating secrets behind the many web designs crafted by different…
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Senior Kayak Tour of Lake Fort Smith
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Fort Smith from a kayak. Take the opportunity to observe quiet coves, waterfalls, and wildlife available from the unique perspective a kayak. Flatwater kayaks, paddles, and…
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Wildlife Bingo
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
You can explore nature at this park because Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room and discover…
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Discovery Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
What is that cool thing in the woods? Join a park interpreter to hike the beginning of the Delta View Trail and make neat discoveries along the way! The hike is 1-mile in length, bring water and wear…
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Macroinvertebrates Look & Learn Table
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle has an abundance of macroinvertebrates living in the water. Stop by the park interpreter’s Look & Learn Table at the visitor center to find out what some of our macroinvertebrates…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…
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Bats vs. Moths
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
How do bats catch something as small as a moth at night? How do moths try to avoid getting eaten by bats? Join a park interpreter to learn all about it and play a game of bats vs. moths.
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Wonders on the Monument Trail
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Explore Monument Trails with a park interpreter on a 1-mile journey through forest and stone. This moderate hike invites discovery at every turn—just don’t forget your sturdy footwear and plenty of…
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Old Town Lake Sunset Kayak Tour
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Old Town Lake is a well-known landmark on the Delta Heritage Trail. Here is your chance to join a park interpreter on an easy flat-water guided kayak tour of the lake to view the sunset. Paddle…
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Sunset Kayaking
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is known for its stunning sunsets. Enjoy the beauty as we paddle along some of the seldom-seen shorelines of this 34,000-acre lake. Sign up at the visitor center (479)…
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