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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Crumpled Watershed
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
The watershed surrounding Lake Dardanelle is the backbone for the Arkansas River as the river journeys through the lake creating opportunities for people like you. Join a park interpreter in the…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a special 2-hour open self-guided tour of the 1872 Courthouse Museum! Learn how Jacksonport became the county seat, what the building was used for after the county seat…
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Eagle Watch Cruise
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Looking for an adventure? Join a park interpreter for a guided eagle-watching cruise on DeGray Lake. We will spend the hour searching for wintering bald eagles, ospreys, loons, herons, grebes, ducks,…
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Pinecones and Popcorn
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Want to make some popcorn and pinecone garland while snacking on popcorn and hot chocolate? Or maybe try your hand at making a pinecone wreath for your door. Join us at pavilion 2 for some fun holiday…
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Mini Wreath Craft
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn about Lake Sylvia's evergreen trees as you enjoy creating a mini wreath ornament! We will discuss evergreen varieties, habitat, needles and how they can be used for winter crafts. Then, we will…
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The 10 Essentials Look and Learn Table
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Ever been caught unprepared on an outdoor adventure? Stop by the park interpreter's Look and Learn Table at the visitor center to learn about the ten essentials every adventurer should have. Discover…
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Adaptation Artistry
Sunday, December 07, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Birds have many special adaptations that make them especially suited for the area in which they live. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center to explore some of these…
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, December 09, 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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A Walk amongst the Fish
Tuesday, December 09, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join park staff for a walk through the visitor center and look at the aquariums. Learn how to identify the many fish living in Lake Dardanelle.
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Spinning and Lace Making Demonstration
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In this special showcase, local spinners will share how they craft fibers into yarn and lacemakers will exhibit the creation of handmade laces. They welcome all interested visitors to join them for an…
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Eagle Tour
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is proud to offer free winter lake cruises for the best chance of seeing our national symbol, the American bald eagle (weather permitting). Many other spectacular birds will…
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Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this easy, handicap accessible, 1/4-mile stroll. We will talk about some of the things that make Petit Jean State Park a special place, as well as enjoy the view of Cedar…
Heart Healthy
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Who Goes There?
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
There are many creatures that call Lake Dardanelle State Park home. Join a park interpreter in the visitor center Orientation Room to discover who they are and what clues they leave behind as they…
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All about Deer
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
In this program you will learn all about the amazing mammal, deer! Discover their diet, habitat, behaviors, and how they survive harsh winters as non-hibernators. Explore deer pelts, antlers, and…
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19th Annual Christmas and Candlelight
Friday, December 12, 2025 - Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Experience the awe and natural beauty of candlelit streets as you stroll through our historic village. Decorations, music, and more set the mood for this historic holiday experience. The homes of…
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Legends of Petit Jean
Friday, December 12, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Petit Jean, a strange and fascinating mountain with many natural wonders, but that isn’t all that is fascinating. Meet a park interpreter to discover some stories surrounding the naming of this…
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Legacy of Mather Lodge
Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.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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Rock House Cave Hike
Saturday, December 13, 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…
Heart Healthy
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What's for Lunch
Saturday, December 13, 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
Wood Ornament Decorating
Saturday, December 13, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to decorate a winter-themed wooden ornament! Using the beauty of Lake Sylvia's wildlife as inspiration, you will paint a winter scene on a wooden ornament. Get in the spirit as…
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