
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Diamond Mining 101
Monday, May 26, 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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Morning Kayak Tour
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join Park Superintendent Nathan on one of the most beautiful morning views of Lake Greeson and the Ouachita Mountains. Bring clothing and shoes that can get wet. Kayaks are limited; sign-up in person…
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Regurgitation Station
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Many meat-eating birds, like owls, have an interesting way of dealing with unwanted parts of their food. Meet a park interpreter to dissect owl pellets, figure out what owls are eating, and learn…
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Be More Like Bigfoot
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Make a stop at the trailhead for the Falls Branch Trail for a couple minutes to talk to Park Interpreter Carrie to discover how to be more like Bigfoot. This is a program station that will provide…
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Nature Cabin
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Drop into the nature cabin to discover the things that make Lake Catherine so special. Park Interpreters present programs every half-hour that last about 15 minutes each. Programs begin at 1 p.m.…
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Geocaching Island Hopper
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.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…
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Wonder House Tour
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What is the Wonder House? It’s not only a place, but also an experience. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Wonder House takes us back in time almost 100 years.…
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Nature Journals
Monday, May 26, 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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Slithering Snakes
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
There is no such thing as a “bad snake.” Join a park interpreter to find out more about the six venomous snake species in Arkansas and what to do if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation…
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Chinquapin Chat
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 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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Morning Breeze Cruise
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Smooth water, cool morning air, breathtaking views – these are but a few of the many alluring qualities of DeGray Lake in the morning. Beat the heat on this refreshing and relaxing cruise of the lake…
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, May 27, 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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Intro to Stand Up Paddleboarding
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Stand up paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing recreational sports. Arkansas is a natural fit for the sport with an abundance of clean, clear lakes and rivers around the state. Join a park…
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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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Ouachita Watercolors
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 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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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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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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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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