
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Birding Basics Hike
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
You don't have to be an ornithologist to enjoy the birds at Lake Ouachita State Park! Learn some basics of finding our feathered friends. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. This basic…
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Hands-On History: Limestone, Ammonites and Sandstone
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Do you know what a trilobite is? What about an ammonite? And what does it have to do with oil? Come to the museum and learn the answers to these questions as we learn why there is oil in south…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, July 10, 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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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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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…
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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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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…
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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
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 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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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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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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Sunset Cruise
Friday, July 11, 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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Owl Prowl Night Hike
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
"Who" likes owls? If you do, meet a park interpreter tonight to discover the owls living in DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Then, we’ll take a walk into the woods to call some up and listen for an…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Saturday, July 12, 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…
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