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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Lake Cruise
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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Kick and Pick
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Remember when you used to go craw-daddin’? Meet a park interpreter to take a short walk to the water of Lee Creek to see what tiny, aquatic living
things live under the rocks in the water. Please…
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Highpoint Hike
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Reaching the highpoint provides more than just bragging rights- it provides a sense of home and habitat! Join a park interpreter for a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. Seasonally appropriate…
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Cane Pole Fishing
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fishing is a great pastime. Too often, though, people get caught up in the gadgets rather than the sport. Come out and learn to fish “old school.” Poles and bait will be provided.
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Rock House Cave Hike
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to hike to the park's archeology site, Rock House Cave. We will view American Indian rock art and discover more about the windows into the past that these images provide. This…
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Leave No Trace Tabletop
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 2 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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Gold Creek Hike
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Gold Creek trailhead for a 1/5th-mile hike to become acquainted with some of the birds, trees, and wildflowers that live in Woolly Hollow State Park. Wear…
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Scenic Lake Cruise
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops and unique islands. Seating is limited; reservations can be made beginning…
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Animal Mythbusters
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Can you really catch warts from a toad? Join a park interpreter to “bust” the myths and misconceptions about certain animals that we may have heard all our lives.
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Exploring Nature
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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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What's the Catch?
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while…
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Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
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Campfire Trivia and Stories
Monday, July 07, 2025
/ 8 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the amphitheater for an
evening of Petit Jean State Park trivia. While we enjoy the mountain air, we will be sharing
some legends of the mountain and a good old-fashioned…
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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
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Morning Kayak Tour
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
No previous paddling experience is necessary. Hands down, one of the best ways to enjoy the morning on DeGray Lake is paddling along the shoreline, exploring quiet coves Sign up early…
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Going on a Bug Hike
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Insects
and other invertebrates are very important but are often misunderstood. Join a park interpreter on a bug hunt around the visitor center as we discover their
diversity and learn how we can help…
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Woodland Birding Hike
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The forests of Lake Fort Smith State Park offer the perfect habitat for tree birds like nuthatches, woodpeckers, vireos, and warblers. Join a park interpreter for a short hike to search for these…
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, July 08, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center to learn the tricks of the trade at this demonstration of diamond searching methods!
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Bear Cave Hike
Tuesday, July 08, 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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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, July 08, 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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