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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Be an Explorer Look & Learn Table
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Arkansas State Parks' Explorer Program is intended for young people ages 6-14 (although anyone is welcome to participate) who care about nature, history, safety, and fun! Participants will work to…
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Catch of the Day
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Thanks to the healthy fishery of Lake Dardanelle, you can experience the thrill of nature and the success of the catch. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to…
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Venomous Snake and Tick Safety Monument Trail Tabletop
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
These 2 groups of creatures are the most dangerous that you could encounter when hiking or biking at Hobbs. Discover more about these creatures and how to avoid them. A 15-minute program…
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Be an Explorer Look & Learn Table
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Interested in becoming an Arkansas State Parks Explorer? Meet a park interpreter in the visitor center to learn how to get started! The Explorer Program is intended for young people ages 6-14 (though…
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, July 04, 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,…
Heart Healthy
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Let's Go Birding!
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Lake Fort Smith State Park is home to many kinds of birds from vultures to warblers. Meet a park interpreter to go on a birding stroll to look for the many birds in the park. Binoculars are provided.…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Friday, July 04, 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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Bald Eagle Tabletop
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Celebrate our nation’s birthday while discovering
more about our national symbol and a resident of Beaver Lake, the bald eagle!
Step into an “eagle nest” for a selfie and make an eagle craft! A…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Friday, July 04, 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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Marsh Mystery
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. We have to be careful when enjoying these opportunities that we…
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Disney Animals
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Did you know some of the animals seen in Disney's animated movies can be found at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join a park interpreter to find out which of your favorite Disney animals live here in the…
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Nature Encounters
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many recreational opportunities for us to enjoy. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room for this program designed to give visitors the chance to…
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Know Your State
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
How well do you know the history and folklore of Arkansas? Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for this fun quiz game where teams will compete for prizes. All ages welcome!
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Apex Excitement: Bears and Baldies
Friday, July 04, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
At Magazine Mountain State Park, becoming acquainted with black bears makes one much more familiar with bald eagles, (and vice versa), and delivers nothing less than apex excitement! …
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, July 04, 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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Hobbs Hiking Club for Adults
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for our monthly hike for adults on
the first Saturday of each month. Each hike will include healthy outdoor
recreation, sharing some of nature’s secrets, and the opportunity to…
Heart Healthy
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Lake Kayaking Excursion
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.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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Yellow Rock Trail Adventure
Saturday, July 05, 2025
/ 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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