
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Bear Necessities
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Arkansas was historically known as "The Bear State" for its plentiful population of black bears. Join a park interpreter to hear about the history of black bears in the state and why they are so…
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The Great Green Gobbler
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hop on into the spring while discovering how bullfrogs hunt their food. This program will last about 30 minutes and is in the nature cabin. Come ready to hop along and see if you can make it as a…
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Sunday, May 11, 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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Pinecone Bird Feeders
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Birds eat various things, from worms to fish, to seeds and insects. Join a park interpreter to learn all about the diet of birds while we make an all-natural bird feeder for you to take home…
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Critter Feeding
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles and more!
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Diamond Mining 101
Monday, May 12, 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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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, May 13, 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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Chinquapin Chat
Thursday, May 15, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Ozark Chinquapin Grove, located along the Caddo Bend Service Road, to explore our nursery of young trees being reintroduced to Lake Ouachita State Park. Learn about the…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, May 15, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, May 16, 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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Bank Fishing
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Itchin’ to go fishin’? Join a park interpreter at the shoreline to practice your fishing skills and unearth the ecological importance of riparian zones. If you have your own fishing pole,…
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Casting Contest
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
When it comes to fishing at Lake Ouachita State Park, practice makes perfect! Join a park interpreter to discover the diverse gamefish species found in Lake Ouachita while practicing your casting…
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Friday, May 16, 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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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, May 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever lost a fish off your line because the hook slipped the knot? Tying a good knot helps all anglers to have the best fishing experience in Lake Ouachita. Come join a park interpreter to…
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The Land Speaks Hike
Saturday, May 17, 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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Intermediate Forging Workshop
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join the park smiths at the forge for a hands-on class
covering the basic operations of blacksmithing. Participants will make simple
art objects and more functional objects with the beauty that only…
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Mosaic Stepping Stone Workshop
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
We're celebrating national Kids to the Parks Day! Learn how to make your very own mosaic stepping stone using materials found in the Crater of Diamonds State Park search area. The cost of this…
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Ouachita Watercolors
Saturday, May 17, 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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Watercolor Wildflowers
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Capture the beauty of wildflowers blooming in the park with a watercolor painting! Join park interpreters to observe types of wildflowers, study flower shapes and parts and create your own art to take…
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