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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Let's Talk Cypress
Monday, October 13, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Guess what has lots of knees but no feet? Have you ever wondered about those huge, strange trees that look like giants from the Amazon rain forest? We’ll explore some of the fascinating…
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Earth Science Week: The Floor is Lava
Monday, October 13, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Quick, get to solid ground, the floor is lava! The only way to move forward and get to safety is to correctly answer volcano myth questions. This activity will take place in the Diamond Discovery…
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Diamond Mining 101
Tuesday, October 14, 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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A Walk amongst the Fish
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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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Fish Feeding
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Come see the fish feast! It is very entertaining and quite interesting to watch the feeding habits of fish, like a bass striking at a worm or minnow. Gather around the fish tanks and enjoy the show.
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What's for Lunch
Tuesday, October 14, 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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Earth Science Week: Colors in the Rocks
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet in the lower level of the Diamond Discovery Center and learn about colorful rocks and minerals found at Crater of Diamonds State Park in this program for kids of all ages!
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Scenic Lake Tour
Tuesday, October 14, 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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Mammoth Spring State Park Adopt a Highway Cleanup
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Come do your part to Keep Arkansas Beautiful. Join the state park team as they participate in cleaning up a large portion of HWY 63 in Mammoth Spring. Meet at the state park at 9:30 a.m. Call…
Heart Healthy
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Discovery Hike (Dogwood Trail)
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
The
Ouachita National Forest provides a protective zone for wildlife around the
lake. Meet a park interpreter at the Dogwood trailhead to take a guided 1/2-mile
hike and discover the…
Heart Healthy
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Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.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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Lake Cruise
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Sign up in advance for a relaxing cruise on Bull Shoals Lake. Sit back and enjoy the breezes as we explore this fascinating Ozark region and learn how the construction of the dam shaped both the…
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Diamond Mining 101
Wednesday, October 15, 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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Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to take a piece of nature home without picking it up? Join a park interpreter to explore the textures of leaves, trees, rocks, and more as we create art along Dripping Springs Trail. It is…
Heart Healthy
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Earth Science Week: Gem and Mineral Exploration Station
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is home to more than just diamonds. This come-and-go program will feature many of the different types of rock and minerals that can be found around the search area.…
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Arkansas Elk
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Are there elk in Arkansas? You bet! Reintroduced to Arkansas in the 1980s, elk now make their home on several sites near the Buffalo River. Join a park interpreter to learn more about…
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Watch Your Step!
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Soil, grass, ants, dwarf toads; there is a lot to discover right under your feet! Join a park interpreter at the main Huckleberry Nature trailhead (trailhead nearest to campsites, on the left) to…
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Hidden in Plain Sight Hike
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Every trail tells a story, but it is not always obvious. On this guided hike of Signal Hill Loop, we’ll search for hidden clues in the natural and cultural landmarks – and connect with the land along…
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Sight, Flight, Animals Who Bite
Thursday, October 16, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Some animals can see ultraviolet colors, and some can blend into plain sight, but why? Join a park interpreter to learn about common animal adaptations and how they are used. Stick…
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Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, October 16, 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!
Read more