
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
What's for Lunch
Tuesday, October 07, 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, October 07, 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
Tuesday, October 07, 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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Reptilian Riddles
Tuesday, October 07, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Many creatures call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Many of these amazing creatures are reptiles. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover some of the things that…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
Heart Healthy
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Wander to the Point Hike
Wednesday, October 08, 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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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 08, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, October 08, 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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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 08, 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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Ouachita Watercolors
Wednesday, October 08, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, October 09, 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 09, 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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Nature Journals
Thursday, October 09, 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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Lake Cruise
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 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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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Thursday, October 09, 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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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, October 09, 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,…
Read more
Finding Footprints Bingo
Thursday, October 09, 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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Wearable Water Cycle
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. Discover the many stops a drop of water makes on its journey…
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