
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Morning Kayak Tour
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
No previous paddling experience is necessary. Hands down, one of the best ways to enjoy the lake is from inside a kayak, paddling along the shoreline, exploring quiet coves. Sign up early…
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Hiking with Nature Sense
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to put your sense of sight, touch, smell, and hearing to the test as you explore some of the natural wonders of Lake Fort Smith State Park. Meet at the Warren…
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Beaver Lake Kayak Tour
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Spend a few hours paddling on Beaver Lake with a
park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking and enjoy the spring scenery on
the lake, weather permitting. All equipment is provided. Space is…
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Dip Net Discovery
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Is the water dirty, clean, or somewhere in between? Small creatures that live in the water can teach us about water quality. Join a park interpreter to catch and identify these critters in the creek…
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Kick and Pick
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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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Kayak Koving
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Kayaking gives you the opportunity to interact with Lake Ouachita in a fun and engaging way. Join a park interpreter as we paddle out to explore nearby coves. Kayaks, paddles and…
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Birding Hike on the Little Missouri
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Meet a park Interpreter at the trailhead of the Little Missouri River Trail to learn all about the world of birding. This 1.2-mile trail winds its way through the woods from the campground to the…
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Birding Basics Hike
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
You don't have to be an ornithologist to enjoy the birds at Lake Ouachita State Park! Learn some basics of finding our feathered friends. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. This basic…
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The Land Speaks Hike
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Did you know that you can learn a new language during your park visit? Join a park interpreter to uncover the hidden language of the land during this easy 1-mile guided hike on the Island…
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Adventure in the Ozarks
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to explore an Ozark mountain trail and take in your surroundings. We will search for and discover more about the native Ozark plants, animals, and…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, May 29, 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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Healing Waters
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
The "healing" waters of Three Sisters Springs had an impact on many people from the past as they continue to be important to us today. Join a park interpreter for a trip back in time to rediscover the…
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Survival Keychains
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 p.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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Guess That Creature
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 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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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, May 29, 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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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, May 29, 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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Scenic Lake Cruise
Thursday, May 29, 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
Thursday, May 29, 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 Park Interpreter Mystina to…
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Snakes of Arkansas
Thursday, May 29, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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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