
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Purge the Privet
Monday, October 13, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater and help remove invasive privet to protect native habitats at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Learn to identify this harmful plant, then grab some gloves and…
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A Walk amongst the Fish
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join park staff for a walk through the visitor center and look at the aquariums. Learn how to identify the many fish living in Lake Dardanelle.
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, October 14, 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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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 15, 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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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 15, 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
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 16, 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
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Afternoon Kayak Tour
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and spend the afternoon exploring beautiful Beaver Lake while learning the basics of kayaking. Meet at the visitor center and then caravan
to the launch site. All equipment is…
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Finding Footprints Bingo
Thursday, October 16, 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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Under Construction
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park’s diverse habitats sustain many living creatures, including animal architects. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the…
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Watercolor by the Water's Edge
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a creek side painting session where water meets color! Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, this program is for all skill levels.…
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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 17, 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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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 17, 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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Knot Knowing is Half the Fun
Friday, October 17, 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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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Friday, October 17, 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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Meet a Critter
Friday, October 17, 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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Mountain Songs at the Amphitheater
Friday, October 17, 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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Marsh Mystery
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 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 so that we…
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The Moth Stop
Friday, October 17, 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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The Forest Glows
Friday, October 17, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Step into the hidden world of Devil’s Den State Park after dark with a park interpreter on a 1-mile guided UV discovery hike. Using special blacklight flashlights, we’ll uncover glowing fungi,…
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