
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Life in a Covered Wagon
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Discover how the use of a covered wagon enabled pioneers to settle the area now known as Lake Fort Smith. Daily life was full of hard choices of what to pack for the westward expansion. Come meet a…
Read more
Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.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…
Read more
Mountain Songs on the Lodge Terrace
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy the beautiful view of Blue Mountain and Blue Mountain Lake, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources…
Read more
Sunset Lake Cruise
Sunday, September 28, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy Lake Fort Smith's history, scenery, geology, wildlife, and possible waterfalls and sunset on this boating adventure! Meet a park interpreter at the marina dock. Binoculars and life vests are…
Read more
Senior Hike to the Waterfall
Monday, September 29, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter for a hike to the waterfall on the Ozark Highlands Trail.
This trek is designed for hikers ages 50 and up who appreciate a shorter hike at a
more relaxed pace, but all ages are…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Music to Your Ears: A Ukulele Highpoint Hike
Monday, September 29, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Perseverance of life at Mount Magazine State Park should be music to your ears! Let a park interpreter share some original ukulele songs on the way up to Arkansas' highpoint that highlight…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Rabbits in the Sky and on the Ground
Monday, September 29, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
One of the many wild animals that makes Lake Fort Smith State Park its home is the Eastern cottontail rabbit. Did you know there are also rabbits that live in the sky? Meet a park interpreter…
Read more
Think Like a Fish
Tuesday, September 30, 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.
Read more
Lake Fort Smith Furbearers
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Have you ever felt the fur of a fox? How about a bobcat? Join a park interpreter to touch some real furs and discover the furry mammals of Lake Fort Smith State Park.
Read more
What's for Lunch
Tuesday, September 30, 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…
Read more
Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 01, 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…
Read more
Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 01, 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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 02, 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…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Finding Footprints Bingo
Thursday, October 02, 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…
Read more
Great Arkansas Cleanup at Lake Fort Smith State Park
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join us for the Great Arkansas Cleanup at Lake Fort Smith State Park! Be a part of something bigger by volunteering. Help preserve the beauty of this stunning natural oasis while making a positive…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Hiking Basics and Monument Trails
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Did you know that the Monument Trails can also be used for hiking? But which one should you pick for an adventure? Join a park interpreter to learn how to pick the best trail for you and your family,…
Read more
A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 03, 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
Read more

Hues of the Hollow
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Take a closer look at the colors hiding in plain sight. From mossy greens to fiery reds, Devil's Den State Park is full of vibrant surprises waiting to be discovered. Join a park interpreter for…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Knot Knowing is Half the Fun
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Want to know how you can make good connections while fishing at Lake Fort Smith State Park? Join a park interpreter for a hands-on knot tying
demonstration where you will discover how to make…
Read more
Living in the Forest: The White-tailed Way
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
What
do you know about the white-tailed deer? Join a park interpreter to learn how this amazing animal survives here in the park.
Read more