
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Guess that Mammal!
Saturday, May 10, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Mystina to guess which mammal the furs, skulls, tracks, and scat belong to and discover more about the furry critters of Lake Fort Smith State Park.
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Over the Hill Hike
Saturday, May 10, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
This hike treks on Signal Hill Loop, where guests will experience the highpoint, witness wild nature and wonderful history at Mount Magazine State Park, and see one of Arkansas’ finest views at…
Heart Healthy
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Owl Pellets
Saturday, May 10, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Owls are famous for their distinct calls, stellar eyesight, silent flight, and being birds of prey. Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn about how incredible these birds are and to…
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Rabbits in the Sky and on the Ground
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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 Park Interpreter…
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Nature Journaling
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Let’s explore springtime in Devil’s Den State Park through art! Join a park interpreter in creating your very own nature journal that you can use in the park.
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Leave No Trace Tabletop
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The
choices you make when you are outside make a big difference. The Leave No Trace principles are important for all ages, but especially for girls and boys who are just
beginning to experience…
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If I Were a Bear
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Bears, like all animals, have certain requirements that need to be met if they are to survive. Join Park Interpreter Kara for a fun game of playing bear and see if you could survive in the forest.
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Friends of Hobbs Speaker Series: Hiking with a Happy Body: Easy Tricks to Lower Pack Weight
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Presenter Jim Warnock will focus on
easy-to-do adjustments you can make in how you pack, what you eat, and how you
care for the most vulnerable parts of your body whether on short hikes or
multi-day…
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Meet a Critter
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There are many animals that live in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Stop by the visitor center Exhibit Room where Park Interpreter Mystina has a critter for you to meet up close!
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Mighty Morphers
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What is metamorphosis? What kind of animals go through it and how does that compare to how people grow? Join a park interpreter to learn about the process, why it’s unique, and create a tie-dye coffee…
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Adventure in the Ozarks
Sunday, May 11, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to explore an Ozark mountain trail and take in your surroundings. We will search for and discover more about the native Ozark plants, animals, and…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, May 13, 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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Hiking with Nature Sense
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to put your sense of sight, touch, smell, and hearing to the test as you explore some of the natural wonders of Lake Fort Smith State Park. Meet at the Warren…
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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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A Life Source's Transformation
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lake Fort Smith is a life source that has transformed over the years. Each transformation brought life and challenges to the wildlife and people of the area. Join Park Interpreter Mystina to…
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Nature Bingo
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join Park Interpreter Mystina to play a fun game of nature bingo. As we play, we will discover more about the natural things found at Lake Fort Smith State Park.
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A Walk amongst the Fish
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.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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Life on the Edge at the Devil's Racetrack Monument Trail
Thursday, May 15, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Do you know what an edge habitat is? Join a park interpreter to find out as we wander along part of the southern terminus of the Devil’s Racetrack Monument Trail!
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Exploring Nature
Thursday, May 15, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Looking for an escape from your daily routine? Escape to Lake Fort Smith State Park and explore nature on a much deeper level by making connections to your natural surroundings. Meet at the service…
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Map Reading Basics
Thursday, May 15, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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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