
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Wearable Water Cycle
Monday, August 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. Discover the many stops a drop of water makes on its journey…
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Senior Hike to the Waterfall
Monday, August 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a hike to the waterfall on the Ozark Highlands Trail.
This trek is designed for hikers ages 50 and up who appreciate a shorter hike at a
more relaxed pace, but all ages are…
Heart Healthy
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Rabbits in the Sky and on the Ground
Monday, August 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
One of the many wild animals that makes Lake Fort Smith State Park its home is the Eastern cottontail rabbit. Did you know there are also rabbits that live in the sky? Meet a park interpreter…
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Crumpled Watershed
Monday, August 04, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
The watershed surrounding Lake Dardanelle is the backbone for the Arkansas River as the river journeys through the lake creating opportunities for people like you. Join a park interpreter in the…
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Think Like a Fish
Tuesday, August 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Want to catch more fish? Want to know more about what fish eat and where they live? Meet a park interpreter to think like a fish and discover more about the fish that live in Lake Fort Smith.
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Lake Fort Smith Furbearers
Tuesday, August 05, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a fox? How about a bobcat? Join a park interpreter to touch some real furs and find out about the furry mammals of Lake Fort Smith State Park.
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, August 05, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
We have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff in the visitor center as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, what’s for…
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Reptilian Riddles
Tuesday, August 05, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Many creatures call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Many of these amazing creatures are reptiles. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover some of the things that…
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River of Change Kayak Tour
Wednesday, August 06, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The Arkansas River witnessed Cherokees move into the river valley and their forced removal during the Trail of Tears. Join a park interpreter at the kayak launch for a paddle tour history of the area…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Wednesday, August 06, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…
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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Thursday, August 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, August 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Friday, August 08, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…
Heart Healthy
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A Better Campfire
Friday, August 08, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
You can build a better campfire. Whether at the campsite or an emergency situation, fire starting is a valuable skill. Meet a park interpreter and discover various methods of starting a fire and…
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Drawn to Nature
Friday, August 08, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
You can draw some memories at Mount Magazine State Park! Try to guess native animals based on clues given by Park Interpreter Alex. All materials included. Suggested for children ages 5-12.…
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Meet a Critter
Friday, August 08, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where a park interpreter has a critter for you to meet up close!
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, August 08, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Arkansas, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources you might…
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Hiking Tips: Are You Ready?
Saturday, August 09, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Are you prepared for your hike at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Do you have the equipment and skills necessary for a fun and safe hike? Meet a park interpreter to discover more about…
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Music to Your Ears: A Ukulele Highpoint Hike
Saturday, August 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Perseverance of life at Mount Magazine State Park should be music to your ears! Let a park interpreter share some original ukulele songs on the way up to Arkansas' highpoint that highlight…
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Hiking Skills: Map and Compass
Saturday, August 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hands-on demonstration and exercise of using a map and compass. This program will allow you the opportunity to properly utilize a topographic map for better preparedness…
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