
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Ranger Beads
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Are we there yet? If you were hiking a trail or blazing your own path without the luxury of modern GPS technology, how would you know how far you had traveled or how far you had left to go to reach…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 03, 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!
Read more
Hiking Basics and Monument Trails
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Did you know that the Monument Trails can also be used for hiking? But which one should you pick for an adventure? Join a park interpreter to learn how to pick the best trail for you and your family,…
Read more
A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 03, 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,…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 03, 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!
Read more
Mammals of the Mountain
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
How well do you know the mammals of Queen Wilhelmina State Park? Join a park interpreter to discover some fascinating (and furry) facts about the animals that call this mountain home!
Read more
Hues of the Hollow
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Take a closer look at the colors hiding in plain sight. From mossy greens to fiery reds, Devil's Den State Park is full of vibrant surprises waiting to be discovered. Join a park interpreter for…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Healing Waters
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.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…
Read more
Knot Knowing is Half the Fun
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Want to know how you can make good connections while fishing at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join a park interpreter for a hands-on knot tying
demonstration where you will discover how to make…
Read more
Guess That Creature
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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,…
Read more
Living in the Forest: The White-tailed Way
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
What
do you know about the white-tailed deer? Join a park interpreter to learn how this amazing animal survives here in the park.
Read more
Wildlife Bingo
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 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…
Read more
Meet a Critter
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where a park interpreter has a critter for you to meet up close!
Read more
Journaling the Journey
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Ever spotted something in the park you wished you could take home, but knew you shouldn’t? Nature journaling is the perfect way to capture what you see without disturbing the natural setting. Join a…
Read more
Map Reading Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
GPS is a handy tool to use getting from one place to another, but what if you are in an area where your GPS does not work? How do you navigate? With a
map and a compass! Join a park interpreter to…
Read more
Sunset Cruise
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 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 are required and can be made…
Read more
Dutch Oven Cooking Series: Campfire Nachos
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Ready for some easy and delicious campfire nachos cooked in a Dutch oven? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for this Dutch oven dinner! We will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking in this…
Read more
Talking Turkey
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cherokees who historically inhabited this area were heavily dependent on nature for their livelihood. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater as she explains the importance the wild turkey had to…
Read more
The Moth Stop
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
When the sun sets, Mount Magazine State Park comes alive with fluttering wings! Join a park interpreter at a glowing moth cloth to meet the hidden pollinators of the night and discover their…
Read more
From Spark to Flame: Fire-Building Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the essentials of campfire building, including the importance of tinder, kindling, and proper structure. Whether you're new to fire-starting or looking to refine your…
Read more