
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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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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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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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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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Fall Foliage Lake Tour
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Splashes of red, orange, yellow, and green cover the Ouachita mountainsides in the fall. Enjoy them from our covered tour boat on a cool, crisp day! Seating is limited, so make sure to make…
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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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Survival Keychains
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Imagine you are lost and stranded in the wilderness without food or gear. What will it take to survive? Join a park interpreter to learn the basics of survival while making your own survival keychain…
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Nature Journals
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to make your very own nature journal. Take this keepsake with you and use it to record your future experiences in nature! All materials provided. Appropriate for all…
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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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Shakespeare in the Park (Student Matinee)
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Students
can enjoy a matinee performance of Shakespeare’s historic drama “Julius Caesar” by the Texas Shakespeare Festival of Kilgore.
Performances begin at 10:30 a.m. in the 1940 WPA Gym. Seating is…
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Build a Bird Feeder
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Did you know you can make simple bird feeders using items found in nature? We'll demonstrate how to make one to take home! Meet a park interpreter at the nature cabin for this fun activity.
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
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