
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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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Mammals of the Mountain
Friday, July 11, 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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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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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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Exploration Station: Skins, Skulls, and Scat
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join
a park interpreter at the Exploration Station in Camp Area A to learn about the
local animals that call Lake Ouachita State Park home. Park interpreters will
have pelts, skulls, and tracks and…
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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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Arkansas: Unique and United
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Discover the uniqueness of Arkansas, whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through. Immerse yourself in the rich geology, history, and culture that connect us all. Experience what makes…
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Nocturnal Superheroes
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Did you know Lake Ouachita State Park is home to superheroes? From night-vision to superhuman hearing, nocturnal animals have powers that are out of this world! Join a park interpreter to…
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Skull Detectives
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
You may know the animals of Queen Wilhelmina State Park—but can you identify them by their skulls alone? Each one holds clues about the creature it belonged to. Join a park interpreter for a fun and…
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Nature Bingo
Friday, July 11, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
It’s easy to overlook the wonders around us when we’re focused on the trail ahead. Join a park interpreter for a 1-mile hike along the Spring Trail paired with a fun game of Nature Bingo that will…
Heart Healthy
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Sunset Cruise
Friday, July 11, 2025 - Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife, history, geology, and experience one of Lake Ouachita State Park's famous sunsets. Seating is limited; registration is…
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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…
Heart Healthy
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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…
Heart Healthy
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Trailside Talks & Treats
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Thirsty on the River Corridor Trail? Take a break and stop by the Falls Day-Use area to chat with a park interpreter and enjoy a trailside treat!
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Orienteering
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
No service at your campsite? No worries! Forgo the online map and learn how to use a compass with a park interpreter. We will discuss how to navigate using paper maps and brush up on basic compass…
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Photo Hike
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Learn how to see the park in a new way. Bring your camera and join the park interpreter to take pictures of the beautiful things we see as we hike the Crane's Fly Trail and pick up some tips for…
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Diamond Mining 101
Saturday, July 12, 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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Be An Arkansas State Parks Explorer
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Calling all explorers! If you love playing outside and visiting your state parks, come learn how you can be an official Arkansas State Park Explorer. Bring your family to this drop-in program to help…
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Snake Sense
Saturday, July 12, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 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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