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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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…
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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,…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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Meet a Critter
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where a park interpreter has a critter for you to meet up close!
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Wildlife Bingo
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
You can explore nature at this park because Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room and discover…
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Map Reading Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
GPS is a handy tool to use getting from one place to another, but what if you are in an area where your GPS does not work? How do you navigate? With a
map and a compass! Join a park interpreter to…
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Talking Turkey
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cherokees who historically inhabited this area were heavily dependent on nature for their livelihood. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater as she explains the importance the wild turkey had to…
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From Spark to Flame: Fire-Building Basics
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the essentials of campfire building, including the importance of tinder, kindling, and proper structure. Whether you're new to fire-starting or looking to refine your…
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The Moth Stop
Friday, October 03, 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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Moonlight Kayak Tour
Friday, October 03, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 9 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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Birding Basics
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Bird watching is a hobby for all ages. To get started, you only need the 3 B’s: Binoculars, a Bird book, and Birds. Lake Dardanelle State Park has plenty of birds, so join a park interpreter at the…
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A Better Campfire
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
You can build a better campfire. Whether at the campsite or an emergency situation, fire starting is a valuable skill. Meet a park interpreter and discover various methods of starting a fire and…
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Morning Bird Songs on the Woody Plant Trail
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Enjoy a morning walk with a park interpreter along the 1-mile Lake Trail as we listen to the songbirds of Devil's Den State Park. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
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Hobbs Hiking Club for Adults
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.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…
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Ranger Beads: Make Them and Use Them
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Ranger beads are an effective tool to keep track of your distance traveled, especially while hiking. Meet a park interpreter to make your own set of ranger beads and learn how they are used. No prior…
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Grab Bag Adventures
Saturday, October 04, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The diverse habitats around Lake Dardanelle State Park create many opportunities for discovery and exploration. Meet a park interpreter at the visitor center Orientation Room to find out what is in…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, October 04, 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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