
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Wildlife Bingo
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You can explore nature at this park because Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room and discover…
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Talking Turkey
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cherokees who historically inhabited this area were heavily dependent on nature for their livelihood. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater as she explains the importance the wild turkey had to…
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From Spark to Flame: Fire-Building Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 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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Moonlight Kayak Tour
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake under the moonlight while
guided by a park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking, see what’s visible
in the night sky, weather permitting, and enjoy the…
Heart Healthy
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Campfire Folklore: Echoes of the Howler
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Join a park interpreter around the campfire to hear the haunting tale of the Ozark howler! Rooted in Ozark folklore and whispered through generations, this story comes to life though storytelling that…
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Birding Basics
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Bird watching is a hobby for all ages. To get started, you only need the 3 B’s: Binoculars, a Bird book, and Birds. Lake Dardanelle State Park has plenty of birds, so join a park interpreter at the…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The diverse habitats around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities for discovery and exploration. Meet a park interpreter at the visitor center Orientation Room to find out what is in…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, October 04, 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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Monument Trails Nature Quest: Leaf ID Challenge
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter on a moderately strenuous 2-mile like along Devil's Den State Park Monument Trails. Along the way, we'll identify native trees by examining their leaf shapes, bark textures,…
Heart Healthy
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Who Goes There?
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There are many creatures that call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to discover who they are and what clues they leave behind…
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B.A.R.K. Ranger
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Calling all dog parents! Join a park interpreter in learning what it takes to be a B.A.R.K Ranger on this guided 1-mile hike. Then stick around to get your fur-baby certified as a Devil's Den State…
Heart Healthy
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Campfire Treats and Trivia
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the campground amphitheater for an evening of fun around the campfire. Enjoy s'mores and a chance to test your park and nature knowledge through trivia! Supplies are…
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Focus on Fish
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Why does Lake Dardanelle have such a healthy bass population? The health of this fishery is partially due to the good conservation practices of the staff at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Join a park…
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Yellow Rock Trail Adventure
Sunday, October 05, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to explore the Yellow Rock area and take in the views from the Yellow Rock Overlook. This is a 2-mile hike.
Heart Healthy
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, October 07, 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, October 07, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 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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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, October 08, 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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Lake Cruise
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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Wearable Water Cycle
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.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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Pedals and Preparation: The Essentials of Mountain Biking
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the basics of mountain biking safety and preparedness. Discover what gear to carry and how to handle common trail challenges. Whether you're new to the sport or need a…
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