
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Park
Categories
Regions
What's for Lunch
Saturday, August 16, 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…
Read more
Fish Prints
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle’s fishery is healthy and diverse. We’ll be using the fishery as inspiration to make some beautiful creations. Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center…
Read more
Safety With A Splash
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.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.
Read more
Leave No Trace: Geocaching
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Join a park interpreter to learn about these principles…
Read more
Life in a Rotten Log
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
There is a secret world hidden in the rotting logs of Logoly State Park. Join the park interpreter to dig into this world and discover what lives in a dead log.
Read more
The Sound of Silence
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
A silent walk on the trail reveals a world full of music. Get your ears ready and join the park interpreter on the 1-mile Boundary Trail to see how the music of the woods changes…
Read more
Water Safety
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ready to beat the summer heat at Lake Dunn? Join a park interpreter to talk about ways to stay safe (while having fun) in and around the water! This is a free, family-friendly event and no…
Read more
Spinning Demonstration
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Far from just being a prop in the story of Sleeping Beauty, a spinning wheel was a common and useful piece of furniture in the homes of Territorial Arkansans. Join a park interpreter to learn how to…
Read more
History in a Bag (Dardanelle Area)
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Exploration, opportunity, and progress forged the culture you find here today. Meet a park interpreter in the Dardanelle Area in the grassy area by the playground to play a game that will take you on…
Read more
In Search of the White River Monster
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike along the beach and learn about the history of White River Monster sightings while watching for items that may have been mistaken for this mythical monster in the…
Read more
Owl Pellet Dissection
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join the park interpreters in the classroom as we investigate the life of an owl. This is a fascinating, sanitary hands-on activity for all ages!
Read more
Nature's Palette: Creating Art with the Outdoors
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Discover how nature can be your art studio! In this creative, hands-on program, participants will collect natural materials, like leaves, pinecones, and sticks to make unique artwork. Along the way,…
Read more
Petit Jean Softball
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet the park interpreters for a fun, family game of softball – Petit Jean style. We have some softball equipment, but if you have your own bring it out and join us.
Heart Healthy
Read more

Our "Boxy" Friends
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Do you know who your friends are that live in a “box," it is box turtles! Join a park interpreter to learn more about our “boxy” friends, and what to do if you come across one.
Read more
Benefield West Trek
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
With a park interpreter as your guide, trek along this beautiful,
wooded trail that reveals some Arkansas’ best scenery and Mount Magazine State
Park’s unique story. Seasonally appropriate attire,…
Heart Healthy
Read more

The 10 Essentials Challenge (Dardanelle Area)
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Ever been caught unprepared on an outdoor adventure? Meet a park
interpreter on the Dardanelle side of the park in the grassy area near the
playground to learn about the ten essentials every…
Read more
Talk Like A Sailor 101
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 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…
Read more
Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to one of the most scenic and hidden overlooks in the park. Along the way we will explore a rock glade, identify different plants, and admire the beauty of Cedar…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Sunset Cruise
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 8 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…
Read more
Sunset Stroll
Saturday, August 16, 2025
/ 7:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park boasts many spectacular sunsets. Join a park interpreter at the visitor center to take an easy sunset stroll along the shoreline of the lake and enjoy the iconic views of…
Heart Healthy
Read more
