
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Exploring Nature
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Looking for an escape from your daily routine? Escape to Lake Fort Smith State Park and explore nature on a much deeper level by making connections to your natural surroundings. Meet at the service…
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Woodland Birding Hike
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The forests of Lake Fort Smith State Park offer the perfect habitat for tree birds like nuthatches, woodpeckers, vireos, and warblers. Join a park interpreter for a short hike to search for these…
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Going on a Bug Hike
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Insects
and other invertebrates are very important but are often misunderstood. Join a park interpreter on a bug hunt around the visitor center as we discover their
diversity and learn how we can help…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, July 08, 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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Color Walk
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
The great outdoors is filled with many colorful things. Thanks to Lake Dardanelle’s diverse habitats, you can discover just how bright and colorful the world around you is. Join a park interpreter at…
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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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The Past Beneath Our Feet on the Monument Trails
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an engaging journey through time as you explore the Monument Trails. This 1-mile out-and-back hike highlights how our Monument Trail names tie back into our rich history.…
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"Got Water?" Monument Trail Tabletop
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Water is essential to have available on your
outdoor adventures, whether hiking or biking the trails. Learn how to figure
out how much water you need to take on hikes or rides to avoid…
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Game Scene Investigation: GSI (Dardanelle Area)
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
When you walk around in nature and you see a track, do you take the track at face value as just a footprint, or do you look around to see what the big picture holds? Join a park interpreter in the…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Wednesday, July 09, 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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Devil's Den Basics
Wednesday, July 09, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Do you know what year the CCC started working here at the park? Do you know what kind of animals you could encounter in the park? If not, bring those questions and more to a park interpreter as we…
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Lake Kayaking Excursion
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Kayaking the coves of Lake Dardanelle gives you the opportunity to get closer view of birds and wildlife you may not have had before, all from the safety of your boat. Join a park interpreter for a…
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Seeds on the Move!
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Ever wonder how trees and other plants are able to grow in different places? Join Park Interpreter Kara to learn the
many ways seeds are moved throughout the park.
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Nifty Nests
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Just as humans live in different types of houses, birds live in different types of nests! Join a park interpreter to find out which birds live in what nests and how those nests compare to our own…
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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Thursday, July 10, 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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Monument Trail Beginners Birder Walk
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a walk with a park interpreter along the southern terminus of the Devil’s Racetrack Monument Trail. This is a moderate 2.2-mile walk. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring water, insect…
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Hiking Basics and Monument Trails
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Did you know that the Monument Trails can also be used for hiking? But which one should you pick for an adventure? Join a park interpreter to learn how to pick the best trail for you and your family,…
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From Spark to Flame: Fire-Building Basics
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the essentials of campfire building, including the importance of tinder, kindling, and proper structure. Whether you're new to fire-starting or looking to refine your…
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Full Moon Kayak Tour
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake with a park interpreter under the full moon. Learn the basics of kayaking, see what’s visible in the night sky, and enjoy the sounds of the night on…
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Moonlit over the Monument
Thursday, July 10, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Step onto one of the Monument Trails at Devil's Den State Park by the light of the full moon and see the forest in a whole new way. As the sun sets and shadows stretch, we’ll hike beneath the stars,…
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