
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Drops In The Bucket
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 9:45 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join us for the family-friendly "Drops In the Bucket" program, inspired by Project WET! Through fun, interactive activities, learn about water conservation and the significance of Lake Ouachita.…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, June 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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Tinkering in the Oil Park
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
It's time to get outdoors. Come to the museum and enjoy the great outdoors during the month of June. Explore the Oil Park with the museum's curator. Through hands-on activities, learn about the…
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Dip Net Discovery (Shoreline by Marina)
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What tiny fish and other creatures are hiding in the waters of DeGray Lake? This is your chance to find out and discuss the role of these elusive wonders. Meet a park interpreter for this hands-on…
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Leave No Trace
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Ever wonder what's the harm in leaving that orange peel on the trail? Find out what it really means to Leave No Trace as you attend a family friendly Leave No Trace Program. Learn the Seven Principles…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, June 26, 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
Thursday, June 26, 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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Sunset Cruise
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 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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Night Owl Prowl
Thursday, June 26, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
"Who" wants to join a park interpreter on a quest to talk with our nighttime buddy, the owl? Meet at the amphitheater to learn a few quick interesting points about our feathered friends. Then take a…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Friday, June 27, 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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Technology in Nature Walk
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Have you 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 discuss…
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Discovery Hike: Green Heron Trail
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for this easy, 3/4-mile guided walk along the Green Heron Trail. Feel free to bring binoculars if you have some; this is a great trail for nature watching!
Heart Healthy
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Bank Fishing
Friday, June 27, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, June 27, 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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Edible Insects (Visitor Center)
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
In other parts of the world, eating insects is considered a delicacy! Today, a park interpreter will test your notion of who really eats bugs and who doesn’t. Are you brave enough to join the “I Ate A…
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Casting Contest
Friday, June 27, 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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River Safari
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Explore the underwater world of the Cossatot River with a park interpreter! Snorkel in search of macroinvertebrates and learn how to assess water health based on our finds. All supplies provided.…
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Furry Facts
Friday, June 27, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
How well do you know the mammals that inhabit Queen Wilhelmina State Park? Join a park interpreter and find out a few furry facts!
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Know Your Knots-Go Fishing!
Friday, June 27, 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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Nature Journals
Friday, June 27, 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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