Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Orionid Meteor Shower Viewing
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 11:45 p.m. - 1 a.m.
From late October through part of November, meteor showers can sometimes be viewed in the foreground of the Orion constellation. These are remnants of Halley’s comet, which passes through…
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Wander to the Point Hike
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Enjoy an easy, scenic 2-mile walk along the service road on the Caddo Bend Trail, ideal for strollers or anyone looking for a gentle outing along a gravel road. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as…
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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Game Scene Investigation: GSI
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
When you walk around in nature and you see a track, do you take the track at face value as just a footprint, or do you look around to see what the big picture holds? Join a park interpreter in the…
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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
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Guess That Creature
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How well do you know
the special creatures and features of Lake Ouachita State Park? Meet a park interpreter to take the "creature challenge." We see how good you at are at identifying photos,…
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Cleaning Up the Falls
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on a guided hike on the Falls Branch Trail. On the hike, we will work together and practice good stewardship of the park by picking up litter seen on the trail.
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, October 23, 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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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Ouachita Watercolors
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Throughout time, water holds power at Lake Ouachita State Park! Discover the history and importance of Lake Ouachita and its powerful water by joining a park interpreter during this lakeside…
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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join
a park interpreter at the Exploration Station in Camp Area A to learn about the
local animals that call Lake Ouachita State Park home. Park interpreters will
have pelts, skulls, and tracks and…
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Feel the Furs
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Have you ever wondered what a deer feels like? What about a bear? Explore the world of animal furs with a park interpreter at the trailhead.
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Lake Cruise
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.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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Eagle Measure Up
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bald eagles are incredible not only for their beauty and speed but for their size as well. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the park to learn about the bald eagles that call Lake…
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Finding Footprints Bingo
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ever wonder who’s wandering through the woods when you’re not looking? Join a park interpreter to learn about Mount Magazine State Park’s wildlife by identifying their tracks and uncovering their…
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Nature Arts and Crafts Series: Spider Sidekicks
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There's a lot more to spiders than meets the eye! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for a guided craft to make your own spider sidekick and learn more about the many benefits of spiders at…
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Cane Pole Fishing
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Cane poles are an efficient and affordable tool for both beginner and expert fishermen. Join a park interpreter at the marina to tackle some fishing the old-fashioned way! Poles and bait will be…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 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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Pedals and Preparation: The Essentials of Mountain Biking
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the basics of mountain biking safety and preparedness. Discover what gear to carry and how to handle common trail challenges. Whether you're new to the sport or need a…
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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Stroll with a park interpreter into some intriguing history of early settlers on Mount Magazine State Park. Guests will also see some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes from Cameron’s…
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