
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Park
Categories
Regions
Diamond Mining 101
Thursday, November 20, 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
Leaf What You Find, Remember What You See
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.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
Read more

Feel the Furs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what a deer feels like? What about a bear? Explore the world of animal furs with a park interpreter at the trailhead.
Read more
Owl's Last Supper
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
It's dissection time! Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin to discover the owls of Lake Catherine State Park and what makes them so special. We will be dissecting real owl pellets to take a…
Read more
Duck, Duck Goose
Thursday, November 20, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the grassy area across from the visitor enter to learn about the unique traits of waterfowl and their habitats at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Discover how conservation…
Read more
Birding Hike on the Little Missouri
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Meet a park Interpreter at the trailhead of the Little Missouri River Trail to learn all about the world of birding. This 1.2-mile trail winds its way through the woods from the campground to the…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Terrain of Thought Hike
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Enrich your experiences here at Lake Catherine State Park through nature journaling! Join a park interpreter at the trailhead for a hike along the Falls Branch Trail. We will take the easy 1/2-mile…
Read more
Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, November 21, 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

Diamond Mining 101
Friday, November 21, 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
Old as a Tree
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Are you as old as a tree? Join a park interpreter to discover how to tell the age of a tree and what happened during its life. You will also have the opportunity to create your own…
Read more
Animals Found Underground
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Explore burrowing animals! Learn why animals burrow underground and how it helps them to survive. Win a cool prize by playing a game matching animals to their burrows!
Read more
Boy Scout Trail Adventure
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to one of the most scenic and hidden overlooks in the park. Along the way we will explore a rock glade, identify different plants, and admire the beauty of Cedar…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Autumn Adventure Quest
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 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
Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking Demonstration: Apple Cobbler
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Once a cherished possession of explorers and settlers, the Dutch oven holds a significant place in Arkansas history. Join Park Interpreter Jaden to learn how to cook outdoors and without electricity.…
Read more
Origami Folding: Forest Friends
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Ready to try your hand at folding origami animals? Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to learn about the native wildlife around Village Creek State Park that call the forest home.…
Read more
What's Up? A Deeper Look At Mount Magazine's Dark Skies
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Mount Magazine State Park's very dark skies are quite an experience for both heart and mind. With the help of a park interpreter, take a deeper look into “the anatomy” of the vast space that is so…
Read more
Mammal Animals of Petit Jean
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
What does the fur of a black bear feel like?
Meet a park interpreter in the historic CCC Room at Mather Lodge to
discover some interesting features about the mammals of Petit Jean State Park.
You…
Read more
Don't Tread on Me
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Jackson County is home to many species of snakes but not all of them are dangerous to humans. In fact, many are helpful! Join a park interpreter to learn how to tell the difference between venomous…
Read more
A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, November 21, 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

Autumn Arboretum Trail Stroll
Friday, November 21, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter outside the visitor center to take a relaxing autumn stroll on the Arboretum Trail. We will talk about the trees and other plants that paint the unique landscape of Village…
Read more