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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Bird Nest Builders
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Birds ranging in size from the large Bald Eagle all the way to the tiny sparrows make their homes at Mississippi River State Park. Have you ever wondered if these different kinds of birds make…
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Connect the Pollinator
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Curious about what pollinator is best suited for what plant? What colors attract bees or butterflies? What are host plants? Join a park interpreter to connect the dots on all things pollinators at…
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Light It Up
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The power of the Arkansas River lights up your world and life in the river valley every day. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn how the Arkansas River…
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Bear Cave Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an interesting walk among the giant sandstone boulders and slot canyons of the Bear Cave area. This is a relatively easy 1/4-mile hike that is great for the whole…
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Hike the Rainbow
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
You can discover a rainbow of colors at Lake Frierson State Park! Join the park interpreter on a color quest along the Dogwood Lane Trail (easy difficulty, 0.5-miles). Please wear tennis shoes or…
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, September 20, 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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In-Seine Adventure
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
The Arkansas River creates many opportunities for enjoyment as it journeys through Lake Dardanelle. What all lives in the lake besides fish and turtles? Well, here is your chance to find out. We will…
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Talk Like A Sailor 101
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered where some of the phrases we use came from? Surprisingly, many originated from steamboat lingo. Join a park interpreter and learn how these phrases may or may not have changed…
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Life in Lake Bailey
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a chance to examine the unseen life that resides beneath the surface of Lake Bailey. We will learn about the unique ecosystem our lake supports, and the aquatic…
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Nature Sun Catcher
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn about plants and get creative! Create a nature sun catcher to hang in your home!
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History of Hobbs Tabletop
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn more about the
history that took place here, including the establishment of this state park,
and the interesting people that made history happen! A 15-minute program…
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Mountain Medicine
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Settlers originally sought out Rich Mountain to help heal medical ailments, restore the weary, and bolster the soul. The mountain has a long history of providing a source of natural medicine. Join a…
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Historic Plant Use
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
In the 1800s people depended on native plants to provide a wide variety of food, medicine, tools and other necessities. Many of these plants are still found on Crowley's Ridge today. Join a park…
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Critter Quest on the Monument Trail
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a quick adventure into nature’s hidden corners. We’ll search high and low - peeking under rocks, check trees, and explore the forest floor to uncover tiny creatures like…
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Nature Cabin
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Stop by the nature cabin to discover the things that make Lake Catherine State Park so special. Park interpreters will be available to give brief programs, help start your explorer program, or answer…
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Turtle Talk
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Daisy State Park provides diverse habitats for all types of species large and small. Join park staff at the visitor center to discover some of the smaller creatures and what they eat in this real-life…
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Flintknapping Demonstration
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Ever wonder how ancient Archaic and Mississippian people made stone tools like arrowheads, axes, and knives? Join a park interpreter at the demonstration area, behind the visitor center, to learn…
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Woolly Cabin Tour
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Love history? Join a park interpreter to learn more about our local history while touring the 143-year-old Woolly Cabin! The inside of the cabin can only be viewed during tours, so don’t…
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Wildlife Bingo
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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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Senior Kayak Tour of Lake Fort Smith
Saturday, September 20, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Fort Smith from a kayak. Take the opportunity to observe quiet coves, waterfalls, and wildlife available from the unique perspective a kayak. Flatwater kayaks, paddles, and…
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