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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Senior Kayak Tour of Lake Fort Smith
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of Lake Fort Smith from a kayak. Take the opportunity to observe quiet coves, waterfalls, and wildlife available from the unique perspective a kayak. Flatwater kayaks, paddles, and…
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Fur Trapping and Trading
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join a park interpreter in the exhibit area of the visitor center to learn more about one way to make a living in Arkansas Territory! Fur trapping and trading was an important part of the economy in…
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Cotton Ginning Demonstration
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How many of us have heard of the cotton gin? You might even know the name of the man credited with inventing the machine. But do you actually know
what a cotton gin does and how it works? Join…
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Preserving the Legacy
Sunday, October 19, 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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Pine Needle Painting
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Don’t have a paintbrush? No worries! Join a park interpreter in the classroom to use pine needles as a unique paintbrush for this fun craft. All supplies provided.
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Magnificent Mycelium: A Tale From Underground
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors! Discover some of the common fungi found at the park and how these small organisms create new life from what's left beneath. Stick around to build your…
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Rock House Cave Hike
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.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…
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Snapshot of Nature: Lake Frierson BioBlitz
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join us for a BioBlitz at Lake Frierson State Park! Learn how to use iNaturalist, explore different habitats, and help us document the incredible biodiversity right here in the park. Whether you’re a…
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Never Ending Campout
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wouldn't it be great if your campout at Lake Dardanelle State Park could last forever? It might be fun, but the effects of a campout might be felt for years to come if you are not careful. Join a park…
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From Spark to Flame: Fire-Building Basics
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn the essentials of campfire building, including the importance of tinder, kindling, and proper structure. Whether you're new to fire-starting or looking to refine your…
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Mountain Songs on the Lodge Terrace
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and enjoy the beautiful view of Blue Mountain and Blue Mountain Lake, as well as a few original guitar songs that highlight some of the wonderful natural and cultural resources…
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Bass Fishing on Lake Roosevelt
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter to learn about using artificial lures to catch one of Petit Jean State Park's aquatic predators, the largemouth bass. We will learn how to set up your rod, select an…
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Owls of Arkansas
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Owls are expert hunters. Do you know why? Join a park interpreter to discover why owls are perfectly adapted for life in Bull Shoals-White River State Park, and which ones live at the park!
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Cabin Trail Hike
Monday, October 20, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for an easy 0.5-mile hike along the Cabin Trail. This trail is a great introduction to the history, recreation opportunities, and native flora and fauna of Woolly Hollow State…
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Make a Paracord Handle for Your Walking Stick
Monday, October 20, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Adding a paracord handle to your walking stick can provide a more comfortable grip as well as an effective way of carrying cordage that could be used in an emergency situation. Meet a park interpreter…
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Birding 101
Monday, October 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Meet a park interpreter to learn about the different species of birds found at Woolly Hollow State Park. Together we will learn common species, practice listening for calls, take a short walk to spot…
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Mighty Eagles
Monday, October 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The symbol of our nation comes in the form of a mighty bird; the eagle, but even the mighty can fall. Meet a park interpreter to learn the amazing story of resilience of the mighty eagle and how you…
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Creative Fishing Lures (Bear Creek)
Monday, October 20, 2025
/ 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lots of fishermen enjoy crappie and bass fishing on Bear Creek Lake. Today we are going to discuss several of the fish bass and crappie like to eat, then you can choose the shape of the one you want…
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Painting in the Park
Monday, October 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Children learn so much from exploring their surroundings. Join a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor center for a nature-based paint project designed for children under 5…
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Senior American Special at Petit Jean State Park
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Thursday, October 23, 2025
Experience the scenic beauty of Petit Jean State Park while enjoying the hospitality of the friendly park staff! Join us for free guided walks, talks, demonstrations, and entertainment. Although…
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