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Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Crumpled Watershed
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 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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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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Scenic Lake Cruise
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 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…
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Ceremonial Site Tour
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
The Plum Bayou Mounds site is one of the largest and most impressive archeological sites in the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Occupied by American Indians from about 650 to 1050 AD, this site is…
Heart Healthy
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"What's that Fur?"
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Can you correctly name the furs on our table? In this fun-filled game, try to be the first to name all the furs and learn about the animals they belong to with a park interpreter at Cane Creek State…
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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…
Heart Healthy
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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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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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Hawktober Hawk Watch
Sunday, October 19, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter at the Cameron Bluff Overlook learn how to help Mount Magazine State Park identify and count broad-winged hawks! Participants could
potentially view broad-winged…
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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…
Heart Healthy
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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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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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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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Nature Arts and Crafts: Fall Leaf Prints
Monday, October 20, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the main pavilion to create a beautiful fall leaf print! We will learn why leaves change in fall as we create a keepsake print or card of Daisy State Park. All materials are…
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