
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Daybreak Diamond Tour
Friday, October 03, 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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Terrain of Thought Hike
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Enrich your experiences here at Lake Catherine State Park through nature journaling! Join a park interpreter at the trailhead for a hike along the Falls Branch Trail. We will take the easy 1/2-mile…
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Discovery Hike (Dogwood Trail)
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
The
Ouachita National Forest provides a protective zone for wildlife around the
lake. Meet a park interpreter at the Dogwood trailhead to take a guided 1/2-mile
hike and discover the…
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Birding Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a 3/4-mile stroll on the Daisy Creek Trail to learn the basics of
birding and begin your birding checklist today! This morning walk will be calm and relaxing while we learn…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 03, 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, October 03, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 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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Safety Sense
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
With the right knowledge, you can be prepared for anything! Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn how to identify poisonous plants and how to feel confident on any outdoor adventure.
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 03, 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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Mammals of the Mountain
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
How well do you know the mammals of Queen Wilhelmina State Park? Join a park interpreter to discover some fascinating (and furry) facts about the animals that call this mountain home!
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Snakes of Arkansas
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin for a creative introduction to snakes! Learn how to identify the venomous snakes of Arkansas. Participants will have the opportunity to see a speckled…
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Healing Waters
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The “healing” waters of Three Sisters Springs had an impact on many people from the past as they continue to be important to us today. Join a park interpreter for a trip back in time to rediscover the…
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Guess That Creature
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
How well do you know
the special creatures and features of Lake Ouachita State Park? Meet a park interpreter to take the "creature challenge." We see how good you at are at identifying photos,…
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Journaling the Journey
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Ever spotted something in the park you wished you could take home, but knew you shouldn’t? Nature journaling is the perfect way to capture what you see without disturbing the natural setting. Join a…
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 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 are required and can be made…
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Dutch Oven Cooking Series: Campfire Nachos
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Ready for some easy and delicious campfire nachos cooked in a Dutch oven? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for this Dutch oven dinner! We will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking in this…
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Snake Sense
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
There’s no such thing as a “bad snake," just misunderstood ones. Join a park interpreter to learn about Arkansas’ six venomous snake species and discover how to stay safe if you ever encounter one in…
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Campfire Coffee
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter this morning for a lesson in campfire coffee. Learn some helpful brewing techniques before enjoying a cup yourself!
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Great Arkansas Cleanup
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for the Great Arkansas Cleanup at Lake Ouachita! Spend a day on the water making a difference. We’ll meet at the Lake Ouachita State Park Marina and head out at 9 a.m. on a large, covered…
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Morning Kayak Tour
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the marina to explore Lake Catherine and all it has to offer during this peaceful paddle across the water. Participants must be at least 13 years or older to paddle solo.…
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Annual Keep Arkansas Beautiful Crater Cleanup
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Do your part to help clean up Crater of Diamonds State Park! We're hosting our annual cleanup event, in conjunction with the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission's fall Great Arkansas Cleanup campaign.…
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