
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Snakeskin Bookmarks
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Have you ever seen a snake’s shed that it left behind? Join a park interpreter in the weigh-in pavilion to discover why snakes shed and what you can tell about a snake from its skin. You will even get…
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If Bats Could Speak Tabletop
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
If bats could speak
(or sing the Bad Rap Bat Rap), what would they tell us? A park interpreter will
help “interpret” bats at this tabletop. Find out more about these misunderstood
creatures at Hobbs…
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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Thursday, July 31, 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…
Heart Healthy
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The Arkansas Traveler
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is the site of many unique events in history, and the Arkansas Traveler is one that has molded Arkansas folklore for years. The painting is thought to have been based on…
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Hidden Creatures
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Humans wear camouflage to blend in while hunting, and sometimes just for style. But, animals have to use camouflage to survive in the wild. Meet a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Friday, August 01, 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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Legacy of the WPA
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal Project created work groups during the 1930s Great Depression Era, such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA built public…
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Pioneer Play
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center, you will discover what pioneer kids did to pass the time while the exploration and progress of their parents forged the…
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Feeding Time at the Lake
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wildlife requires a proper diet for their survival, and you can help. Meet a park interpreter as we discuss native foods that are essential for our wild and curated animals and also take part in their…
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Pedals and Preparation: The Essentials of Mountain Biking
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.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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Creatures of the Night
Friday, August 01, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is home to many creatures. Discover some of Lake Dardanelle State Park’s nocturnal residents. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater and learn what animals come out…
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Morning Bird Hike
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the visitor center to take a walk through the area in search of our visiting birds. Even if you’ve never birded before, you can enjoy these creatures in a whole new way!
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A Life Source's Transformation
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Lake Fort Smith is a life source that has transformed over the years. Each transformation brought life and challenges to the wildlife and people of the area. Join a park interpreter to…
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Introduction to Mountain Biking on the Boston Mountain Trail
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Mountain biking is a wonderful way to experience the Boston Mountain Trail. Meet a park interpreter who will cover biking and safety skills that will make your ride a more enjoyable experience. After…
Heart Healthy
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, August 02, 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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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
The diverse habitats around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities for discovery and exploration. Meet a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to find out what is in…
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Corn Husk Figurines
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Exploration, opportunity, and progress forged the culture that you find here today. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area near the weigh-in pavilion to learn about an early toy that was made by…
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Kayak Tour of Lake Fort Smith
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Fort Smith from a kayak. Take the opportunity to observe quiet coves, waterfalls, and wildlife available from the unique perspective a kayak. Flatwater kayaks, paddles, and…
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Game Scene Investigation: GSI
Saturday, August 02, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Saturday, August 02, 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…
Heart Healthy
Read more
