
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Park
Categories
Regions
The Arkansas Traveler
Thursday, November 13, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Lake Dardanelle State Park is the site of many unique events in history, and the Arkansas Traveler is one that has molded Arkansas folklore for years. The painting is thought to have been based on…
Read more
Daybreak Diamond Tour
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Join a park interpreter in the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level to walk through the search area and learn about the best places to search for diamonds. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of past…
Heart Healthy
Read more

T.R.A.I.L.S.
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Don’t leave home without it! Join a park interpreter to hike the Big Ben Trail and discover the must-haves to remain safe and have fun on trails. The Big Ben Trail is a moderately…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Silent Invaders
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The natural resources at Bull Shoals-White River State Park are being threatened by an army of silent invaders! Discover what these are and how they could potentially impact our park. Learn…
Read more
Discovery Hike
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on the Slunger Creek Nature Trail to explore the sights and sounds Lake Catherine State Park has to offer. This stroll takes about 30 minutes and is about 3/4-mile long. Be…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Diamond Mining 101
Friday, November 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!
Read more
Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Stroll with a park interpreter into some intriguing history of early settlers on Mount Magazine State Park. Guests will also see some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes from Cameron’s…
Heart Healthy
Read more

What's the Catch?
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Do fish have a sixth sense? Meet a park interpreter to discover how fish use their senses to navigate their underwater world. We will make a paper fish craft, all while uncovering the secret…
Read more
Build a Bird Feeder
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Did you know you can make simple bird feeders using items found in nature? We'll demonstrate how to make one to take home! Meet a park interpreter at the nature cabin for this fun activity.
Read more
Autumn Adventure Quest
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Drop by the breezeway at Mather Lodge and take on the Autumn Adventure Quest! Pick up a quest card and complete fun seasonal challenges—like spotting fall leaves, discovering wildlife clues,…
Read more
Diamond Mining 101
Friday, November 14, 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!
Read more
Tracking Wildlife
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn how to find signs of animals! Play the game "Guess the Animal" to test your skills and win a fun prize!
Read more
Erosion in Motion
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Erosion has shaped past, present and future at Village Creek State Park. Join a park interpreter to discover the unique geology of the park and the stories erosion simultaneously preserves and…
Read more
Leave No Trace
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Come to the amphitheater to learn how to practice the seven ethical principles of Leave No Trace and how they apply to Lake Catherine State Park. Leave No Trace helps us be better stewards of our…
Read more
Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 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
Read more

Resourceful Raptors--Vultures
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Eagles and hawks are not the only raptors soaring overhead. Join a park interpreter to unlock the secrets of success which vultures have mastered. From eyesight and smell to teamwork and smarts,…
Read more
Ozark Chinquapins
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter and learn the story of the Ozark chinquapin! Find out some interesting facts about this tree, its importance to the region, and see for yourself the restoration efforts…
Read more
Chunkey Champions
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Before the days of baseball, a different type of game dominated the United States. Join Park Interpreter Megan to learn about the indigenous game of Chunkey and then play the game for yourself. Do you…
Read more
A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Experience the benefits of hiking outdoors on historic Benefield Trail. Breathtaking views can be expected on this hike. Seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes,…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Sunset Stroll
Friday, November 14, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5:15 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
