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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Stand Up Paddleboarding 101
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Stand up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing recreational sports around. Arkansas is a natural fit for the sport with an abundance of clean, clear lakes and rivers around the state. Join a…
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Queen Wilhelmina State Park Jenga
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
How much do you know about the plants, wildlife, and history of Rich Mountain? Meet in the hearth room to find out by playing a game of Jenga with a twist!
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Sunset Cruise
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 7:15 p.m. - 8:15 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 noon the…
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Guided Night Bat Hike
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
When
the sun sets, the night life at Daisy State Park begins! Join Park
Superintendent Nathan on an exciting nighttime hike about the history of bats
here at Daisy State Park. This guided hike along…
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Lightning Bug Lingo
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 8:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Have you ever seen glowing bugs at Lake Catherine State Park? Join Park Interpreter Carrie to learn a bit about lightning bugs, how they communicate, and maybe even see a few. This program will last…
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Golf Course Safari
Saturday, May 17, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tonight, we’ll take a caravan of golf carts out in search of nocturnal animals. Be sure to bring a flashlight! Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations can be made beginning noon…
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Daybreak Diamond Tour
Sunday, May 18, 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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Geocaching Island Hopper
Sunday, May 18, 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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Diamond Mining 101
Sunday, May 18, 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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The Mystery of the Tracks
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Many wild animals roam the park when we aren’t looking, leaving only tracks as evidence. Join the park interpreter to find out more about these wild footprints and uncover the mystery of the tracks.
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Morning Lake Tour
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Begin your day with a peaceful cruise on Lake Ouachita! Bring a warm drink as a park interpreter will serve as your guide while you admire the scenery, wildlife, and stories of Lake Ouachita.…
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Wonder House Tour
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
What is the Wonder House? It’s not only a place, but also an experience. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Wonder House takes us back in time almost 100 years.…
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Light Up The Night
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The living things that glow at night can add a magical feel to your visit to the park, but have you ever thought about how and why they glow? Join a park interpreter to discover the science behind the…
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Bear Necessities
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Arkansas was historically known as "The Bear State" for its plentiful population of black bears. Join a park interpreter to hear about the history of black bears in the state and why they are so…
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If Trees Could Speak
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
We’ve all heard that the Lorax speaks for the trees, but what if the trees could speak for themselves? Imagine the stories they would share about this beautiful land that we now call our…
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Critter Feeding
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles and more!
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Microscopic Mayhem
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
A whole world is hiding in the moss and soil at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, you only need the right tools to see it! Meet a park interpreter in the hearth room before setting out on a short adventure…
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Sunset Kayak Tour (payment at Lodge)
Sunday, May 18, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake at sunset is from inside a kayak, paddling along the shoreline, exploring quiet coves. Sign up early for this guided kayak tour. Flatwater kayaks, paddles, and…
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Journey of a Water Drop
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join us as we explore the incredible adventure of a water droplet, from its humble beginnings to its grand destination. Through engaging activities and hands-on experiments, participants will learn…
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Drops In The Bucket
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
/ 10:45 a.m. - 11 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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