
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
The Reading and Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Friday, July 04, 2025 - Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Hear
the Declaration of Independence read, as was commonly done in the 19th century, at the 1874 Courthouse. Afterwards, sign your own "John Hancock" to a copy of the Declaration that you may take…
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The Washington Evening News - 1832
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Travel back to 1832 for this live radio show
featuring bumbling news anchors reporting from Washington, Arkansas Territory.
Using real historical events as today's headlines, join…
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Watermelon Eating Contest
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Test your abilities in this classic DeGray Lake Resort State Park 4th of July contest. You don't want to miss this! Participants will be divided into age groups on site. No registration necessary.…
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Fun on the Fourth
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Gather with friends at Queen Wilhelmina State Park on Independence Day to enjoy food and fun on the mountain. Meet at campsite 38 for Dutch oven desserts, homemade ice cream, and lawn games!
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Moss and Lichen Walk
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the non-vascular life forms that surround us on the trail and debunk common misconceptions. This walk is a 0.75-mile loop rated easy.
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Introduction To Geocaching
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Do you enjoy puzzles and spending time in the outdoors? If so, bring your food/snack and join the park superintendent to find out how you can start geocaching today! Learn the basics of geocaching and…
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Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
No watermelon eating contest would be complete without a seed spitting challenge to follow! Join fellow guests for this hilarious competition that will require both lung power and technique to earn…
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The Reading and Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Friday, July 04, 2025 - Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Hear
the Declaration of Independence read, as was commonly done in the 19th century, at the 1874 Courthouse. Afterwards, sign your own "John Hancock" to a copy of the Declaration that you may take…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Friday, July 04, 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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Water Relays
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Round up your best troops and cool off with our water relays. Groups will compete in relay games that are sure to get everyone smiling, laughing, and soaked! Teams will be assembled on…
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Fishing Fun
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Fishing is a great way to enjoy your day here at Daisy State Park! Join a park interpreter as we discuss what fish you are most likely to catch here in Lake Greeson, as well as some fishing…
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Crater of Diamonds JEOPARDY!
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Queue the theme music, we are playing JEOPARDY! See if you have what it takes to outwit your fellow competitors in this battle of the brains. Play as a team or an individual to find the questions to…
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River Rock ID
Friday, July 04, 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 snorkeling adventure and…
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Casting Contest
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 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 Tour
Friday, July 04, 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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The Washington Evening News - 1832
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Travel back to 1832 for this live radio show
featuring bumbling news anchors reporting from Washington, Arkansas Territory.
Using real historical events as today's headlines, join…
Read more
Water Balloon Volleyball
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
What in the world is water balloon volleyball? Come find out! Be prepared to get wet!
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Nature Scavenger Hunt
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn about nature and see a new perspective on our nature scavenger hunt! Join a park interpreter for a guided3/4-mile hike to complete this outdoor scavenger hunt. Please wear good shoes…
Heart Healthy
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Knot Navigator
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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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The Reading and Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Friday, July 04, 2025 - Sunday, July 06, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Hear
the Declaration of Independence read, as was commonly done in the 19th century, at the 1874 Courthouse. Afterwards, sign your own "John Hancock" to a copy of the Declaration that you may take…
Read more