
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
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Wearable Water Cycle
Thursday, October 09, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle it continually shapes the land and creates opportunities for people like you. Discover the many stops a drop of water makes on its journey…
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Women's Outdoor Weekend
Friday, October 10, 2025 - Sunday, October 12, 2025
Open the door to all your senses by getting away and reconnecting with nature. During this three-day, two-night adventure, we will offer sessions on basic camping, hiking, introduction to kayaking,…
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Echoing Footsteps Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
As you walk the Military Road Trail, your footsteps echo the footsteps of the past and the future. Meet a park interpreter to learn the stories, history, and hardships of those who walked the Military…
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Lake Cruise
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the state park tour boat (weather permitting). Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley…
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Monarch Health Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Every year, monarch butterflies migrate through Arkansas in mid-October to return to their breeding grounds in Mexico. These lively bursts of color are always a delight to see on a hike or in your…
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Birding Van Tour of the Forest
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Explore top birding spots in Mississippi River State Park and St. Francis National Forest by van with a park interpreter. Spot waterfowl, raptors, and winter birds. Binoculars and guides provided if…
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Reading the Land - Topo Maps 101
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
A topographic map is one of the best tools to have in your backpack on all your adventures, but especially at Petit Jean State Park. Join a park interpreter at the
Palisades Overlook to…
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Delta Heritage Trail Guided Bike Tour
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 9:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Delta Heritage Trail State Park offers miles and miles to explore outdoors hiking and biking. Here is your chance to start your journey by joining a park interpreter on a guided 6-mile bike ride on an…
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Hiking with Nature Sense
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to put your sense of sight, touch, smell, and hearing to the test as you explore some of the natural wonders of Lake Fort Smith State Park. Meet at the…
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Diamond Mining 101
Friday, October 10, 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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Cameron Bluff Stroll
Friday, October 10, 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…
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Expedition Petit Jean
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meet a park interpreter in the breezeway at Mather Lodge for Expedition Petit Jean, a 2-hour hiking program focused on planning your perfect park adventure with your abilities, experience,…
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Fish Feeding
Friday, October 10, 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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Discovering Nature Journals
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Preserve your memories and experiences in the great outdoors in a journal. Meet a park interpreter outside the Lake Center to make your own journal and learn some outdoor journaling…
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A Beneficial Benefield Hike
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 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,…
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Picture Perfect
Friday, October 10, 2025
Leave No Trace Principles compel park visitors to leave only footsteps and take only pictures. Join the park interpreter at "golden hour" to learn tips and tricks of capturing the beauty of nature…
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Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 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…
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Nocturnal Animals
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn about all of the nocturnal critters that call Lake Sylvia home!
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Woodland Wander on Devil's Race Track
Friday, October 10, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter and wander along the Monument trails to search for a variety of wildlife and plants. This hike is 2-miles in length, please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and don't forget…
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