
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Dip Net Discovery (Shoreline by Marina)
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
What tiny fish and other creatures are hiding in the waters of DeGray Lake? This is your chance to find out and discuss the role of these elusive wonders. Meet a park interpreter for this hands-on…
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Senior Hike to the Waterfall
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a hike to the waterfall on the Ozark Highlands Trail.
This trek is designed for hikers ages 50 and up who appreciate a shorter hike at a
more relaxed pace, but all ages are…
Heart Healthy
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Highpoint Hike
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Reaching the highpoint provides more than just bragging rights- it provides a sense of home and habitat! Join a park interpreter for a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. Seasonally appropriate…
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Regurgitation Station
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Are you inquisitive and brave? If so, try to stomach this fascinating, hands-on activity. We’ll search for clues to solve the mystery of an owl’s last supper by dissecting an owl pellet. All…
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops and unique islands. Seating is limited; reservations can be made beginning…
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A Life Source's Transformation
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lake Fort Smith is a life source that has transformed over the years. Each transformation brought life and challenges to the wildlife and people of the area. Join a park interpreter to…
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Kick and Pick
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Remember when you used to go craw-daddin’? Meet a park interpreter to take a short walk to the water of Lee Creek to see what tiny, aquatic living
things live under the rocks in the water. Please…
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Biomimicry
Monday, June 23, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Plants and animals have been adapting to their surroundings for ages. It seems only natural that people would look to nature for innovations to help us adapt and create. Meet a park interpreter in the…
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Morning Kayak Tour
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
No previous paddling experience is necessary. Hands down, one of the best ways to enjoy the morning on DeGray Lake is paddling along the shoreline, exploring quiet coves Sign up early…
Heart Healthy
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Knot Navigator
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
From tying your shoes to tying your boat so it doesn't float away, knots are necessary! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tie different types of knots. Appropriate for all ages.
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Lake Cruise
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Think Like a Fish
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Want to catch more fish? Want to know more about what fish eat and where they live? Meet a park interpreter to think like a fish and discover more about the fish that live in Lake Fort Smith.
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Snakes of Arkansas
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Calling all snake sleuths! Arkansas is home to a diverse population of snake species. Join a park interpreter in the Ouachita Room to discover the importance of snakes, hone your…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, June 24, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Disc Golf Crash Course
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to receive a crash course in this sport that is sweeping across the nation, from city parks to college campuses. You will learn the basics and then put them to…
Heart Healthy
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A Bird's Buffet
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Which bird eats what? Join a park interpreter for a fun activity while discovering how different birds use their special adaptations to eat certain foods.
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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Spider Hider
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
What has eight legs and eats bugs? Discover some of the fascinating things spiders do. How they make their homes, find food, and even which ones are dangerous to us. Join a park interpreter in the…
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