
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Magnification Station
Thursday, October 30, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The natural world is filled with little details that we often overlook. Come by the park interpreter’s magnification station at the visitor center to use microscopes to get an up-close look at some…
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Call of the Wild
Thursday, October 30, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Some animal calls are very familiar while others are rather vague and when they all mix, it can be difficult to pick them out. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center…
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Lake Cruise
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 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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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 31, 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,…
Heart Healthy
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Campground Wildlife Look & Learn Table
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The diverse habitats in and around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities to spot wildlife. The wildlife you encounter while camping may even be one of the most memorable parts of your…
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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 31, 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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Spider Hider
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What has eight legs and eats bugs? Discover some of the fascinating things spiders do. Learn how they make their homes, find food, and even which ones are dangerous to us. Join a park interpreter in…
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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, October 31, 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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The Moth Stop
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
When the sun sets, Mount Magazine State Park comes alive with fluttering wings! Join a park interpreter at a glowing moth cloth to meet the hidden pollinators of the night and discover their…
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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 31, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.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…
Heart Healthy
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Corn Husk Figurines
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Exploration, opportunity, and progress forged the culture that you find here today. Join a park interpreter in the Lakeview Room of the visitor center to learn about an early toy that was made by the…
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Eagle Tour
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is proud to offer free winter lake cruises for the best chance of seeing our national symbol, the American bald eagle (weather permitting). Many other spectacular birds will…
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Cherokee Clay Creations: Make a Pinch Pot
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Before Arkansas became a state, Cherokee families in this region crafted pottery by hand using local clay. Join a park interpreter to learn about this tradition and make your own small clay vessel to…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, November 01, 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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Osage Ribbonwork
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Ribbonwork is a vibrant and meaningful tradition in Osage culture, used to decorate clothing and express identity. Join a park interpreter to discover the history and symbolism behind Osage…
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Wetland Safari
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitat is home to a wide variety of creatures. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to explore some of the players in this vital ecosystem.
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Choctaw Beadwork
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Beadwork has long been a meaningful form of cultural expression for the Choctaw people. Join a park interpreter to explore traditional designs, learn about the history and symbolism behind them, and…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The diverse habitats around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities for discovery and exploration. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to find out…
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Moonlight Kayak Tour
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 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…
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Nightshift Hike
Saturday, November 01, 2025
/ 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
When the sun goes down, the forest wakes up in a whole new way at Mount Magazine State Park. Join a park interpreter on a guided night hike to meet the wild creatures who rule the dark, from stealthy…
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