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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Healing Waters
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
The "healing" waters of Three Sisters Springs had an impact on many people from the past as they continue to be important to us today. Join a park interpreter for a trip back in time to rediscover the…
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Woodland Wander
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter and wander along the Monument trails to search for a variety of wildlife and plants. This hike is 1-3 miles in length, please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and don't forget…
Heart Healthy
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Ranger Beads
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Are we there yet? If you were hiking a trail or blazing your own path without the luxury of modern GPS technology, how would you know how far you had traveled or how far you had left to go to reach…
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Butterflies vs. Moths
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Butterfly or moth? What's the difference? Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to find out! Participants will have the opportunity to craft their very own butterfly or moth.
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Dark Forests, White Tails
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
What do you know about white-tailed deer?
Join Park Interpreter Kara to learn how this amazing animal survives here in
the park.
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Guess That Creature
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
How well do you know
the special creatures and features of Lake Ouachita State Park? Meet a park interpreter to take the "creature challenge." We see how good you at are at identifying photos,…
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Journey to Germination
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Lake Center to discover what a seed must overcome in its journey to germination, as well as the different methods of seed dispersal. This program includes a…
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Nature Journaling 101
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Access your inner artist through the process of nature journaling. Historically kept by naturalists exploring new areas, nature journals are a fun, creative way to connect with your surroundings. Join…
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Safety With A Splash
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
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Go Outside and Play!
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 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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Hiking through the Legacy of the CCC
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park
interpreter to walk in the footsteps of the Civilian Conservation Corps, where
hard work and craftsmanship created a park that is seamless with the landscape.
This is an easy 1/4-mile hike…
Heart Healthy
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.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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Food Web Wonders
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Every living thing at Lake Ouachita State Park is connected! Join a park interpreter to discover the delicate balance of the food web, the role it plays at Lake Ouachita, and our role in protecting…
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Swim and Cruise Lake Tour
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake before beating the heat and taking a dip in its refreshing water! We will cruise the lake for the first half of the tour taking in the beautiful…
Heart Healthy
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Wildflower Bingo
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Lake Catherine State Park is home to many stunning wildflowers! Meet a park interpreter at the nature cabin to play this fun game and learn all about the beautiful flowers that grow here.
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Dream Weavers
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Like us, American Indians from this area might have wanted protection from bad dreams. Join the park interpreter to learn the stories of the old ways and weave a dream catcher to help with your own…
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Story and Craft: Butterflies
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursdays at 2 p.m., children are encouraged to visit the park for story and craft hour during the summer break from school. Join us as we tell Native American stories and make fun butterflies.
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Scenic Lake Tour
Thursday, July 17, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Ouachita's immense size, pristine shoreline, and numerous islands offer breathtaking scenery that is unparalleled in the state. Enjoy a tour with a park interpreter as you explore the wildlife,…
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