
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Knot Knowledge
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Whether you are setting up a camp shelter, tying up your boat, or preparing a fishing lure, knowing how to tie knots is important. Come by to learn a few that will meet your needs during a weekend at…
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Snakes of Arkansas
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 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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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, July 10, 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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The Land Speaks Hike
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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…
Heart Healthy
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Intro to Nature Journaling
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Discover a whole new way of seeing the world around you with a nature journal. Join a park interpreter to slow down and observe the beautiful scenery by the river. All supplies provided.
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, July 10, 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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Knot Navigator
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
From tying your shoes to tying your boat so it doesn't float away, knots are necessary! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tie different types of knots. Appropriate for all ages.
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Geocaching Island Hopper
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Whether you are a diehard geocacher or completely new to the activity, this excursion is sure to satisfy your craving for adventure! With GPS units/smartphones in hand, we will travel by…
Heart Healthy
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Technology in Nature Walk
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Have you ever wished you could identify any plant or animal at the push of a button? Join a park interpreter for a short information session followed by a walk around the visitor center. We will…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, July 11, 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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Ranger Beads
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 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…
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The Life of a Box Turtle
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Box turtles are fascinating creatures! These land-dwelling turtles are full of surprises. Join a park interpreter to discover the life of a box turtle and meet our three-toed box turtle at the visitor…
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Snorkeling Adventure
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Sign up early for this water adventure! We'll boat out to the main river channel or even an island and snorkel along the shoreline in search of fish, rocks, plants, and more! Masks, fins, and snorkels…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, July 11, 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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Mammals of the Mountain
Friday, July 11, 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!
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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.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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Nature Journals
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There is a lot to explore at Crater of Diamonds State Park! Whether you are an entry level rock hound or are a wildflower wanderer, a nature journal can help you document your finds. Meet in the…
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River Rock ID
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Cossatot River is lined with sand, pebbles, and large boulders. Have you ever wondered what kind of rocks and minerals they were made of? Join park interpreters on a swimming adventure and…
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Arkansas: Unique and United
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Discover the uniqueness of Arkansas, whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. Immerse yourself in the rich geology, history, and culture that connect us all. Experience what makes…
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Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Did you know Lake Ouachita State Park is home to superheroes? From night-vision to superhuman hearing, nocturnal animals have powers that are out of this world! Join a park interpreter to…
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