
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Think Like a Fish
Tuesday, October 21, 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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A Simple Stick
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to discover how a hiking stick can make your hike safer, enjoyable, and more memorable. We will discuss proper sizing, primary and secondary uses for a hiking stick,…
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Reptiles of the River
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is home to variety of wildlife, but do you ever wonder just what there is out there in the river? Are there snakes, is that a snapping turtle? Join a park interpreter in the…
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Orionid Meteor Shower Viewing
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 11:45 p.m. - 1 a.m.
From late October through part of November, meteor showers can sometimes be viewed in the foreground of the Orion constellation. These are remnants of Halley’s comet, which passes through…
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
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Game Scene Investigation: GSI
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.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
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 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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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.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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Lake Cruise
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.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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Finding Footprints Bingo
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ever wonder who’s wandering through the woods when you’re not looking? Join a park interpreter to learn about Mount Magazine State Park’s wildlife by identifying their tracks and uncovering their…
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Eagle Measure Up
Thursday, October 23, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Bald eagles are incredible not only for their beauty and speed but for their size as well. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the park to learn about the bald eagles that call Lake…
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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Stroll with a park interpreter into some intriguing history of early settlers on Mount Magazine State Park. Guests will also see some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes from Cameron’s…
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Pedals and Preparation: The Essentials of Mountain Biking
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 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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Lookin' for Tiny Critters
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Tiny creatures are hiding all around Devil’s Den State Park—some beneath rocks, others tucked in tree bark or rustling in the leaves. Join a park interpreter on a thrilling critter-hunting adventure…
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Discovery on the Lake Trail
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter as we discover what nature has to offer by enjoying a fun nature walk along the easy Lake Trail.
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.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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Tree Rings Tell All
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What are the hidden messages in the rings of a
tree, and how do they tell the story of the forest? Join a park interpreter to learn how to decipher those messages and piece together the
history of the…
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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Cameron Bluff Overlook learn how to help Mount Magazine State Park identify and count broad-winged hawks! Participants could
potentially view broad-winged…
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Fish Prints
Friday, October 24, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle’s fishery is healthy and diverse. We’ll be using the fishery as inspiration to make some beautiful creations. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center…
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