
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, July 08, 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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Wild Wednesdays: Getting Out of the Rain
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
If you were lost in the woods or caught in the rain, what would you do? Join a park interpreter to learn what supplies you might want in your backpack for shelter building and find out what type of…
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Kayak Koving
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 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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Swim Cruise
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
There's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than jumping into the cool, crisp waters of Lake Ouachita! Join a park interpreter to go out on a boat and find a perfect place go…
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Swim and Cruise Lake Tour
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake before beating the heat and taking a dip in its refreshing water! We will cruise the lake for the first half of the tour taking in the beautiful…
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Sunset Cruise
Wednesday, July 09, 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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Spider Sniffing Night Hike
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Bring a flashlight and a friend because we’re going to be sniffing for spiders! Join a park interpreter to unravel the web of lies about these fascinating creatures while searching for them…
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Birding Walk
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Bring your binoculars and rise with the birds for an early birding stroll! Join a park interpreter and identify common species of birds at Cossatot River State Park and sharpen your birding skills.…
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Morning Breeze Cruise
Thursday, July 10, 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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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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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,…
Read more
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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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!
Read more