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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Keys to the Kingfisher Hike
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter as we meander along the shore of the Little Maumelle River along the Kingfisher Trail, learning about the local flora and fauna that make up this unique wetland habitat as we…
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White Gold: Cotton in Jackson County
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Step into the past of Jackson County and discover the economic power of King Cotton. This white gold was the economic backbone of the south during the 19th century and allowed the people of Jackson…
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Whet Stone Knife Sharpening Demonstration
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
A sharp knife can be your most effective tool while experiencing the outdoors. Learn how to effectively sharpen your knives using a whet stone to ensure you never go without when exploring and…
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Geocaching Island Hopper
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Whether you are a diehard geocacher or completely new to the activity, this excursion is sure to satisfy your craving for adventure! With GPS units/smartphones in hand, we will travel by…
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Nature Journals
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There is a lot to explore at Crater of Diamonds State Park! Whether you are an entry level rock hound or are a wildflower wanderer, a nature journal can help you document your finds. Meet in the…
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Wonder House Tour
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What is the Wonder House? It’s not only a place, but also an experience. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Wonder House takes us back in time almost 100 years.…
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Catch of the Day
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Thanks to the healthy fishery of Lake Dardanelle, you can experience the thrill of nature and the success of the catch. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center…
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Owls of Arkansas
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Owls are expert hunters for a multitude of reasons. Do you know why? Join a park interpreter to discover more about owls and which ones live at Bull Shoals-White River State Park!
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What's the Catch?
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while uncovering the secret…
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Sensory Grab Bag
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Can you identify
items in nature? Join Park Interpreter Kara to discover just how well you may
know nature by using just your sense of touch!
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Go Outside and Play!
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ball and cup, buzz saw, graces, and rolling hoops are just some of the toys that were used by pioneer children. Try your hand with these toys and learn about the life of a pioneer child. Even…
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Smelly Skunks
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Why do skunks smell bad to some people? What
is the reason they spray? Learn the answers to these questions and more by
joining Park Interpreter Kara as we discuss one smelly animal, the…
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Reptilian Riddles
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Many creatures call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Many of these amazing creatures are reptiles. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover some of the things that…
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Slithering Snakes
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
There is no such thing as a “bad snake.” Join a park interpreter to find out more about the six venomous snake species in Arkansas and what to do if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation…
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Steamboats: Building White River Communities Since 1831
Monday, May 26, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Most people know that steamboats carried raw materials down the White River to markets in the south and east, but what did steamboats bring back? How did they build the towns and villages along the…
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Morning Breeze Cruise
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Smooth water, cool morning air, breathtaking views – these are but a few of the many alluring qualities of DeGray Lake in the morning. Beat the heat on this refreshing and relaxing cruise of the lake…
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Chinquapin Chat
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Ozark Chinquapin Grove, located along the Caddo Bend Service Road, to explore our nursery of young trees being reintroduced to Lake Ouachita State Park. Learn about the…
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ADA Hike on the Van Winkle Trail
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Why is there a state park
here? Join a park interpreter for a story-telling adventure about how this place
came to be Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Discover one of the most
influential spots in…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, May 27, 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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Intro to Stand Up Paddleboarding
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Stand up paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing recreational sports. Arkansas is a natural fit for the sport with an abundance of clean, clear lakes and rivers around the state. Join a park…
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